DR Congo Ends Nigeria’s Hopes of Reaching the 2026 World Cup
Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the African play-off final held in Rabat, Morocco.
Both nations had advanced to the play-off after emerging as the best second-placed teams in the African qualifiers, each vying for a ticket to the inter-continental play-off stage.
Coach Eric Chelle made two changes to the Nigerian squad that previously defeated Gabon, bringing in Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka for Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Onyeka teamed up with Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, while Ajayi’s presence in central defence pushed Benjamin Fredrick to right-back.
Nigeria started brightly, with Onyeka rewarding the coach’s trust by scoring just three minutes into the match. He reacted quickest to a loose clearance from the Congolese defence after a Zaidu Sanusi cross, firing a deflected shot past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau. However, after missing chances to extend their lead, the Super Eagles were punished in the 32nd minute when Meschack Elia leveled the score. Cedric Bakambu released him with a precise pass, and Elia calmly slotted home to restore parity.
The second half introduced further anxieties for Nigeria, as Victor Osimhen was substituted—possibly due to injury—for Akor Adams. Stanley Nwabali prevented Bakambu from scoring in the 54th minute, stopping a clever attempt at his near post.
Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke also entered the game, but Nigeria continued to struggle for creativity. Defensive tension grew late in the match when Nwabali almost gifted DR Congo a goal, but he recovered quickly and was aided by an offside call.
After being stretched to extra time in their previous match against Gabon, the Super Eagles once again endured 30 gruelling additional minutes. DR Congo twice had the ball in the net during extra time, but both efforts were ruled out—first for a foul on Nwabali by Fiston Mayele, and later for dangerous play by Noah Sadiki.
The Leopards nearly sealed it before penalties, but Nwabali produced a crucial save to stop Chancel Mbemba’s powerful header.
In the shootout, Nigeria’s early misses from Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon left them chasing the contest. Although Adams, Ejuke, and Bruno Onyemaechi scored to keep Nigeria afloat, Nwabali’s two penalty saves weren’t enough. Semi Ajayi’s sixth kick was stopped by Timothy Fayulu, and DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty to end Nigeria’s World Cup journey.
DR Congo now progresses to the inter-continental play-off tournament scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico. They join Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (OFC), with remaining spots to be filled by representatives from CONCACAF and the AFC.
