Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end in Rabat as DR Congo defeated the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw across 120 minutes.
Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive spot-kick, sending the Leopards into March’s inter-confederation playoff while Nigeria miss out on a second consecutive World Cup.
First Half: Nigeria Strikes Early, DR Congo Responds
Nigeria made the perfect start. Frank Onyeka put the Super Eagles ahead in the 3rd minute when his strike took a heavy deflection, leaving Fayulu stranded and giving Nigeria early control.
The goal forced DR Congo to open up, but Nigeria struggled to build on the advantage. Their defensive shape held well until the 32nd minute, when Alex Iwobi was dispossessed in midfield. Cedric Bakambu capitalised immediately, sliding the ball across for Meschack Elia to finish from close range and level the game.
Both sides traded half-chances before halftime, but neither found a breakthrough as the first period ended 1–1.
Second Half: Osimhen Injury Changes Everything
Nigeria were dealt a major blow at the start of the second half. Victor Osimhen, who had received treatment earlier following an aerial clash, was substituted at halftime for Akor Adams.
Without their main attacking outlet, Nigeria struggled to retain possession or progress the ball. DR Congo grew stronger, pushing higher and dictating the midfield battle.
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They created the more dangerous openings, while Nigeria were limited to speculative long balls and isolated counter-attacks.
Substitutes Ejuke, Simon, and Arokodare added energy, but Nigeria failed to produce a consistent attacking threat. DR Congo continued pressing for a winner, but Nwabali and the back line held firm to force extra time.
Extra Time: DR Congo Push, Nigeria Hang On
Extra time brought more pressure from DR Congo, who looked far likelier to score. Nigeria created one major chance when Arokodare headed over from Onyemaechi’s cross, but most of the danger came at the other end.
In the 109th minute, the Leopards thought they had taken the lead, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Onyemaechi in the build-up. Nwabali later produced an important save to keep out a late Mbemba header in the 120th minute.
With no winner after 120 minutes, the match went to penalties.
Penalty Shootout: DR Congo Hold Nerve
Nigeria’s penalty result:
- Calvin Bassey – Missed
- Moses Simon – Missed
- Akor Adams – Scored
- Bruno Onyemaechi – Scored
- Chidera Ejuke – Scored
- Semi Ajayi – Missed
DR Congo’s penalty result:
- Moutoussamy – Saved
- Sadiki – Scored
- Axel Tuanzebe – Saved
- F. Mayele – Scored
- Balikwisha – Scored
- Chancel Mbemba – Scored
Ajayi’s miss opened the door for DR Congo, and captain Mbemba stepped up confidently, firing high into the net to send the Leopards through.
DR Congo Keep World Cup Dream Alive
The victory extends DR Congo’s push for their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. They will now represent Africa in March’s inter-confederation playoffs, where two World Cup spots will be on the line.
For Nigeria, the defeat marks a second consecutive World Cup absence, following their failure to reach Qatar 2022.
