Nigeria’s quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak on Sunday, November 16, as the Super Eagles fell 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the CAF Playoff final in Rabat, Morocco.
This marks Nigeria’s second consecutive World Cup miss, having also failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. Their last appearance came at Russia 2018, where they exited in the group stage.
Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia have already secured qualification for the World Cup from Africa.
DR Congo, meanwhile, kept their World Cup dream alive after edging Nigeria on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Frank Onyeka put Nigeria ahead inside three minutes, his effort taking a deflection off Axel Tuanzebe to wrong-foot goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
But the Leopards fought back, and parity was restored in the 32nd minute when Wilfred Ndidi was dispossessed in midfield, allowing Meschack Elia to race clear and finish past Stanley Nwabali.
The match unfolded with a clear pattern: Nigeria pushing for tempo through Alex Iwobi and the wings, while DR Congo remained compact and dangerous on the counter, steered by captain Chancel Mbemba and the impressive Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Victor Osimhen twice came close after the break—a header drifting just wide and another effort blocked by Mpasi—while Cédric Bakambu tested Nwabali from distance at the other end.
Fatigue slowed both sides in extra time, with chances scarce and defences largely untroubled.
The shootout produced its own drama. After early conversions from both sides, Nigeria faltered. DR Congo held their nerve, and Mbemba stepped up to bury the decisive kick, sealing a famous victory and triggering jubilant celebrations from Sébastien Desabre’s men.
For DR Congo—whose last World Cup appearance was in 1974 as Zaire—the victory marks another significant step in a resilient qualifying campaign defined by defensive discipline and decisive moments.
They now advance to the inter-confederation play-off scheduled for 23–31 March 2026 in Mexico, where six teams will compete for two World Cup berths.
Nigeria, chasing a seventh World Cup appearance, are left to rue a blistering start that did not translate into control, along with missed opportunities on either side of the equaliser. Their run ends despite a spirited, front-foot performance and long spells of dominance.
