DR Congo dashed Nigeria’s dream of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Nigeria’s quest to return to the FIFA World Cup has ended in heartbreak once again, as the Super Eagles fell 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on Sunday night. The defeat means Nigeria will miss the global showpiece for a second consecutive edition.

The Super Eagles made a dream start, taking the lead just three minutes into the encounter. Frank Onyeka’s strike, heavily deflected off Axel Tuanzebe, left the Congolese goalkeeper stranded as the ball trickled into the net.

Nigeria’s early press unsettled the Leopards, who struggled to build from the back and create meaningful chances within the opening quarter-hour. By the half-hour mark, the Super Eagles remained in control and searching for a second goal.

But DR Congo struck back shortly afterward. A misplaced touch by Wilfred Ndidi in the box allowed Mechak Elia to pounce after Cedric Bakambu had surged forward from midfield to set up the opportunity. Elia made no mistake, drawing the Leopards level despite Nigeria’s earlier dominance.

The match resumed with renewed intensity after the break, and DR Congo emerged the brighter side, pushing forward with purpose. Nigeria gradually ceded control, seeing less of the ball in attacking areas while the Leopards increasingly threatened in transition.

Both sides struggled to create clear openings as the clock ran down, although DR Congo nearly snatched the lead in the 83rd minute when Stanley Nwabali’s errant pass gifted them a golden chance. The Super Eagles survived the scare as the visitors failed to punish the mistake.

With the score still 1–1 at full time, the contest moved into extra time. DR Congo dominated much of the added period and thought they had gone ahead in the 109th minute when a loose ball appeared to cross the line before Nwabali gathered it. The referee, however, waved play on despite Congolese protests.

Neither side could find a breakthrough, sending the tense affair to penalties.

Substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu proved decisive for DR Congo, producing crucial saves to deny Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi. His heroics sealed the Leopards’ place in the Inter-Confederation Playoffs and confirmed Nigeria’s painful exit from the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.