Olayiwola Matthew
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday night in Rabat, where the Super Eagles fell 4–3 to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a tense penalty shootout.
The match had ended 1–1 after 120 minutes before the Congolese clinched victory from the spot.
The Super Eagles made a perfect start, taking the lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka. Nigeria pushed aggressively for a second goal, carving out several opportunities but failing to convert their dominance into a comfortable advantage.
Their missed chances proved costly. In the 33rd minute, Meshak Elia punished the Super Eagles with a precise equaliser, shifting momentum firmly in DR Congo’s favour.
From then on, the Congolese dictated the rhythm, forcing Nigeria into long spells of defensive play, especially during extra time.
Nigeria’s attacking threat diminished even further early in the second half when Victor Osimhen was substituted, leaving the team struggling to regain their forward cohesion.
With the deadlock unresolved after extra time, the decisive moment came from the penalty spot, where DR Congo held their nerve to secure a 4–3 win.
The result means Nigeria will miss a second consecutive FIFA World Cup, having also failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. DR Congo now advance to the intercontinental play-off scheduled for March next year, keeping their World Cup ambitions alive.