Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has voiced his disappointment following Nigeria’s failure to reach the World Cup after Sunday night’s playoff defeat to DR Congo, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final on Sunday night, ending their chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three-time African champions went into the clash after a commanding 4-1 win over Gabon and could have booked a spot at the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 with a win.
However, it is now successive failures to reach the showpiece event after they also lost out in the playoffs to bitter rivals Ghana ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
Nigeria suffer another World Cup heartbreak
The Super Eagles had defeated Gabon in their semifinal clash, while DR Congo had eliminated Cameroon thanks to a late strike by captain Chancel Mbemba.
Nigeria made the perfect start on the night, taking the lead inside the first three minutes.
A poor clearance dropped to Frank Onyeka, who rifled home a brilliant shot that took a huge deflection off a defender into the net.
The three-time African champions dominated the early exchanges after the goal, but could not make their dominance count.
The Leopards equalized in the 32nd minute after Alex Iwobi was dispossessed and Wilfried Ndidi failed to clear a cross, allowing Meschack Elia to apply the finishing touches.
Nigeria were dealt a huge blow at the start of the second half after two-goal hero from their last clash Victor Osimhen, could not continue and was replaced by Akor Adams.
They struggled to create in the absence of their star striker, with DR Congo getting the better opportunities to take the lead.
The game went into extra-time with no winner after regulation time and the Leopards found the back of the net in the 109th minute, but the strike was ruled out for a foul in the buildup.
The game then went into penalties with no winner after 120 minutes of intense action.
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi missed for Nigeria, while Chancel Mbemba scored the winning kick to send DR Congo into the intercontinental playoffs.
Onyeka disappointed with result
Speaking after the game, Frank Onyeka who netted Nigeria’s only goal of the clash, was hurt and displeased with the result.
“We, the players, are hurting, just as much as Nigerians are hurting. Nigerians have every right to be very upset with us,” Onyeka said.
“It is very tough not to go to the next FIFA World Cup. Some of us may not be around in five years, in 2030.
“It’s painful. But we have an AFCON to play in 34 days and we need to get ready for that and do better than we did last time.”
DR Congo head into the intercontinental playoffs next March as they continue their remarkable journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
