Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup collapsed on Sunday after the Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo, following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time in the playoff final in Rabat.

Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria an early breakthrough, but DR Congo responded before halftime and ultimately held their nerve in the shootout to move within one step of qualification.

Nigeria strike early but lose grip

Nigeria started with urgency and were rewarded inside three minutes. Frank Onyeka’s low strike took a decisive deflection, wrong-footing goalkeeper Lionel M’Pasi to hand the Super Eagles the perfect opening.

Despite Nigeria’s early dominance, DR Congo gradually settled. Chancel Mbemba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka tested the Nigerian backline as control shifted hands.

DR Congo equaliser after defensive slip

The Leopards drew level in the 32nd minute when Mechak Elia pounced on a defensive error, dispossessing Alex Iwobi before guiding his finish beyond Stanley Nwabali.

The equaliser energised DR Congo, although Nigeria still looked dangerous through Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman heading into the break.

Nigeria struggle after Osimhen’s exit

Osimhen’s early withdrawal in the second half emboldened DR Congo. Nwabali was repeatedly called into action, making several crucial saves, including a dramatic goal-line clearance to keep Nigeria in the contest.

Fatigue set in during extra time, and while DR Congo had a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up, they dictated the tempo and forced Nigeria deep into their own half.

Penalty shootout decides Nigeria’s fate

With the deadlock unbroken after 120 minutes, the match proceeded to penalties. DR Congo converted four of their six attempts, while Nigeria fell short with three misses proving costly.

The result sends DR Congo to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, while Nigeria are left to regroup after a critical blow to their World Cup qualification ambitions.