Nigeria’s hopes of advancing to the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo on Sunday night.
The Super Eagles started brightly but ultimately fell short on a night filled with tension, momentum swings and late disappointment.
Nigeria opened the scoring as early as the third minute when Frank Onyeka’s goal-bound effort took a decisive deflection, leaving the Congolese goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The early breakthrough lifted the Super Eagles, who looked determined to seize control of the contest.
DR Congo, however, grew into the game and found their equaliser in the 32nd minute. Meschack Elia struck with a powerful finish from close range, bringing the Leopards level and shifting the tone of the match.
Both sides wrestled for dominance in a cagey second half, but neither could find the winner, sending the fixture into penalties.
The shootout proved to be the defining moment of the night. Nigeria struggled from the spot, converting only three of their six attempts.
DR Congo held their nerve, scoring four, with captain Chancel Mbemba delivering the decisive penalty to seal the victory.
Penalty sequence:
Nigeria: âŒâŒâœ…✅✅âŒ
Congo: âŒâœ…âŒâœ…✅✅
Mbemba’s winning strike ended Nigeria’s journey, confirming what many fans feared. Nigeria are not going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For the Super Eagles, it is a painful setback after a campaign marked by moments of promise but undone by fine margins.
DR Congo, meanwhile, march forward to the inter-continental playoffs with momentum and belief, buoyed by a memorable victory over one of Africa’s traditional football giants.
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