- Super Eagles 3 DR Congo 4 on penalties
It is now confirmed that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will miss back-to-back FIFA World Cup appearance, no thanks to the Democratic Republic of Congo which on Sunday night pocketed Africa’s sole ticket to the inter-confederation play-offs
Regrettably, the Nigerian men saw their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico effectively dashed after losing 4-3 to the Leopards on penalties at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco
With the encounter ended in a 1-1 draw after full 90 minutes and extra time play, a tired-looking Nigeria side that had played 180 minutes against Gabon in midweek, took their foot off the pedal after making a promising start to the game.
For their elementary defensive error, Nigeria now have a sad end to their campaign as the Congolese capitalised on the momentary lapse, taking the match to extra-time before eventually winning on penalties.
Frank Onyeka had given the Super Eagles a third-minute lead, but Meschack Elia levelled on 32 minutes and, after 120 tense minutes, captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Leopards into March’s inter-confederation play-off in Mexico.
At stake in the match, decided inside the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, was a single, star prize: a place at the six-team play-off tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where two World Cup berths will be decided.
Buoyed by their 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon, Nigeria’s start was electric. Victor Osimhen pinned the DR Congo back line and, after early pressure, Onyeka struck from the edge of the box, his effort glancing off Axel Tuanzebe and wrong-footing Lionel Mpasi.
The Leopards steadied and grew into the game, with Theo Bongonda and Cédric Bakambu stretching the pitch on the break to give the Nigerian backline some defensive troubles.
It was long before parity arrived just after the half-hour when Alex Iwobi was dispossessed in midfield and Elia pounced, racing clear of sloppy Wilfred Ndidi to slot the ball past Keeper Stanley Nwabali.
From there the pattern set: Nigeria seeking tempo through Alex Iwobi and the flanks; DR Congo compact, disciplined and dangerous in transition, marshalled by Mbemba and the impressive Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Osimhen twice went close after the interval, one header drifted past the post and another effort was smothered by Mpasi, while at the other end Bakambu tested Nwabali from distance.
Chances thinned in extra time as fatigue and caution set in, with both defences largely untroubled.
The shootout brought its own drama. The sides traded early conversions before Nigeria blinked; DR Congo held their nerve and, with the chance to finish it, Mbemba stepped up to drill home the winning penalty, sparking jubilant celebrations from Sébastien Desabre’s team.
For DR Congo, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1974 as Zaire, this marks another step in a resolute qualifying campaign built on defensive organisation and big moments in tight games.
With the Leopards advancing to the inter-confederation play-off holding between 23–31 March 2026, the Super Eagles who were chasing a seventh finals appearance, will rue a blistering start not converted into control as well as missed opportunities either side of the equaliser.
Despite a spirited, front-foot showing and long spells of territorial control, the World Cup dream ends here with the only opportunity left for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Coach Eric Chelle being that of rebuild6 and preparing the team for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025.
The Africa’s flagship football tournament will be hosted by Morocco from 21st December 2025 to 18th January 2026
