Super Eagles Of Nigeria Crash Out Of 2026 World Cup Race After Defeat To DR Congo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended heartbreakingly on Sunday night after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco.

The tense CAF play-off final finished 1-1 after 120 minutes, but it was the Congolese side that held their nerve from the spot, winning 4-3 to move on to the intercontinental playoffs. The Super Eagles, meanwhile, will miss the World Cup for the second successive edition.

Frank Onyeka gave the Super Eagles a dream start in the third minute, finishing off a flowing move. DR Congo grew into the game and were rewarded in the 32nd minute when Yoane Wissa’s replacement, Meschack Elia, levelled from close range after Nigeria were caught trying to play out from the back.

The match settled into a cagey rhythm from there. Both sides had chances, with Stanley Nwabali making several key saves to keep Nigeria alive, including a sprawling stop to deny Chancel Mbemba in stoppage time of extra time. At the other end, substitute Tolu Arokodare headed over when he seemed certain to score.

With neither team able to find a winner, the game went to penalties, where the tension mounted with every kick. Nigeria missed their first two attempts after Calvin Bassey fired over and Moses Simon was denied. Nwabali responded with two saves of his own, dragging the Super Eagles back into contention.

The shootout reached sudden death, and Semi Ajayi saw his effort saved by Timothy Fayulu. That left DR Congo captain Mbemba with the chance to win it. He stepped up and drilled his penalty high into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Congolese squad and their fans.

Source: Naijanews