By Maryjane Austine
DR Congo End Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes in Penalty Heartbreak
Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African play-off final in Rabat, Morocco.
Both sides were competing for a place in the intercontinental play-off, having emerged as the best runners-up from the qualifying groups.
Coach Eric Chelle made two changes from the win over Gabon, bringing in Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka for Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Onyeka joined Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, while Ajayi’s return to central defence pushed Benjamin Fredrick to right-back.
Onyeka made an immediate impact, putting Nigeria ahead in the third minute after reacting quickly to a failed clearance from a Zaidu Sanusi cross. His effort took a deflection and beat Lionel Mpasi-Nzau in DR Congo’s goal.
Despite creating chances to extend the lead, Nigeria could not find a second goal, and DR Congo levelled in the 32nd minute. Meschack Elia punished a midfield error, finishing calmly into the right corner after being set up by Cedric Bakambu.
The second half brought further disruption for Nigeria as Victor Osimhen was substituted for Adams, seemingly due to injury. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept the Eagles in the game with a save from Bakambu at the near post in the 54th minute.
Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke were also introduced, but the changes struggled to influence the match, and Nigeria created few meaningful opportunities. Defensive tension mounted late on when Nwabali almost gifted DR Congo a goal in the 83rd minute, but he recovered quickly before the offside flag intervened.
Read More: Flying Eagles Hit by Player Withdrawals Ahead of U-20 World Cup
With the match still level, the Super Eagles were forced into extra time for the second time in three days. DR Congo had the ball in the net twice, but both attempts were disallowed for fouls—first for contact on Nwabali, and later for dangerous play against Bruno Onyemaechi.
The Leopards came close again before the shootout, only for Nwabali to palm away Chancel Mbemba’s header.
In the penalties, Nwabali produced two strong saves to keep Nigeria alive after early misses from Calvin Bassey and Simon. Adams, Ejuke and Onyemaechi converted their efforts, but it was not enough as DR Congo held firm to win 4-3 and end Nigeria’s World Cup journey.
