Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi says the team will regroup and bounce back after their World Cup hopes were dashed in Sunday’s penalty shootout loss to DR Congo, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria’s chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup was finally ended on Sunday night, following their defeat in the CAF playoffs to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Morocco.
The three-time African champions finished behind South Africa in their group, with Bafana Bafana clinching the automatic slot, but advanced to the playoff round alongside Gabon and Cameroon to determine Africa’s representative at the intercontinental playoffs.
The recorded a commanding 4-1 win over Gabon in the first round, setting up the clash against DR Congo, who eliminated Cameroon 1-0 in the other tie.
Despite taking an early lead through Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, Nigeria could not capitalize on their dominance and were pegged back through Meschack Elia in the first half.
They struggled afterwards especially in the second half, with the Leopards creating the better chances of the match.
With no winner after 120 minutes of action, penalty shootout became the order of the day with the Democratic Republic of Congo claiming bragging rights.
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi missed for Nigeria, who suffered another heartbreak after also missing the 2022 edition, losing in the playoff round to Ghana.
DR Congo, on the other hand, advance to next March’s intercontinental playoff rounds as they continue their journey for a first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Iwobi breaks silence on World Cup failure
Alex Iwobi, who has moved into the top five players with the most appearances for the Nigerian national team, played 77 minutes of Sunday’s defeat.
The Fulham midfielder released a statement on his social media afterwards acknowledging the contributions of the entire squad.
“You win some, you lose some,” the Fulham midfielder said.
“Not every dream becomes a reality. Life doesn’t stop; we use the experience to strive and push on to be better. Proud of my brothers!”
What next for Nigeria?
It is now consecutive World Cup disappointments for the Super Eagles following their near-miss in 2022.
Attention will now be focused on next month’s African Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they will compete against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in group C.
The Super Eagles will look to add to their three titles and also bounce back from their final defeat in 2024, when they were beaten 2-1 by Ivory Coast.
