Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a crushing end on Sunday night, as they fell to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout in the CAF playoff final.
The fascinating clash ended in a 1-1 stalemate after 120 minutes of action, before the Leopards went on to win the ensuing spot-kicks to seal their spot in next year’s intercontinental playoffs.
The tone was set for an eventful night after the Super Eagles took the lead inside three minutes through Frank Onyeka.
The Brentford midfielder got on the end of a loose ball and produced a brilliant finish that took a huge deflection into the back of the net.
DR Congo refused to relent and were back on level terms just after the half hour mark through Meschack Elia.
Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi was dispossessed in midfield and Cedric Bakambu’s cross was miscalculated by Wilfried Ndidi, allowing Elia a free touch at the back post past Stanley Nwabali in goal.
Victor Osimhen was replaced at halftime due to injury in a huge blow for Nigeria, as the Galatasaray man had netted five times in his last two appearances.
The Super Eagles dominated possession but struggled to create any meaningful opportunity as the game went into extra-time and then into penalty shootout.
Nigeria missed three of their six spot-kicks, while DR Congo missed just two, with Chancel Mbemba netting the winner kick to seal a 4-3 penalty shootout win.
In this article, SportPremi highlights five major lessons learnt from the Super Eagles’ defeat;
1. Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s main man
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen’s importance to the Nigerian team cannot be overstated. The 26-year-old has scored 31 goals for the national team, just six behind Rashidi Yekini’s haul of 37.
Five of these goals have come in his past two outings for the Super Eagles and he was the main threat in the 4-1 win over Gabon last week.
After he was substituted against DR Congo, Nigeria struggled to trouble Lionnel Mpasi, with the team lacking the intense pressing and aerial threat that Osimhen typically provides.
If Nigeria are to enjoy any success in the future, keeping Osimhen fit and firing will be crucial.
2. The wingers need to step up
Nigeria’s wide men struggled in both playoff ties against Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite boasting some of the continent’s biggest names, including reigning African footballer of the year Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, the team struggled to create much chances from wide areas.
After a below-par showing against Gabon, Lookman and Chukwueze were once again substituted in the second half of Sunday’s tie after offering very little both in attack and in supporting the defense.
3. Nwabali needs competition
Stanley Nwabali’s displays at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations convinced many Nigerians that they had finally found a worthy successor to Vincent Enyeama.
However, the Chippa United goalkeeper has shown signs of being shaky in recent outings and could have been punished for several mistakes against DR Congo.
With Maduka Okoye back in action after serving a betting-related suspension, the responsibility now falls on Eric Chelle to decide who is best suited for the number one spot ahead of next month’s AFCON tournament.
4. The midfield needs fresh legs
Nigeria started the game against the Democratic Republic of Congo excellently, but their performance faded into the second half.
Two of the Super Eagles first choice midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfried Ndidi are 28 years and above and with the increasing demands and pressing, perhaps it is time for fresh legs to come into the team.
5. Eric Chelle must remain for the AFCON tournament
Since taking charge in January, Eric Chelle has overseen a significant improvement in both performances and results.
The Super Eagles are unbeaten in regulation time under the former Mali coach and won five of their last eight qualifiers for the World Cup.
With just over a month to the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, keeping him at the helm feels like the right decision rather than letting him go.
