Nigeria World Cup Dream Ends: Super Eagles Fall to DR Congo 4-3 on Penalties
Nigeria World Cup dream ends after a heart-wrenching defeat to DR Congo in the CAF African qualifiers playoff final. The Super Eagles suffered a 4-3 loss on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Rabat, Morocco. Consequently, the team’s hopes for the 2026 World Cup completely dissolved. Frank Onyeka gave the West Africans a perfect start. Indeed, his deflected shot opened the scoring for Nigeria in the third minute. However, Mechak Elia quickly equalized for the Congolese. He netted his close-range effort just past the half-hour mark. Meanwhile, Nigeria faced a major setback. Star striker Victor Osimhen left the game injured at halftime, and his absence immediately hampered the Nigerian attack.
Consequently, DR Congo’s Leopards began to dominate possession. Furthermore, they looked far more likely to find a late winner in the second half. Moreover, no further goals came in the remaining ninety minutes or during the tense extra time period. Ultimately, the match proceeded to a dramatic penalty shootout held in driving rain. Captain Chancel Mbemba almost clinched victory for DR Congo late in extra time. Nevertheless, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali brilliantly clawed away Mbemba’s looping header.
In the ensuing shootout, DR Congo goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu made a crucial save. He stopped Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi’s effort in the sixth round. Therefore, Mbemba stepped up to take the deciding kick. Subsequently, he calmly guided his spot-kick high into the net, sealing the 4-3 victory. This monumental win propels the Central Africans into the intercontinental playoff. Furthermore, it keeps their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive. This marks a significant achievement for DR Congo, who last appeared in the World Cup in 1974. Conversely, the Nigeria World Cup dream ends as the Super Eagles miss their second consecutive World Cup tournament. BBC Sport Africa confirmed the final score shortly after the dramatic conclusion. The Congolese players celebrated wildly, running the length of the pitch towards their elated supporters.
Source: BBC Sport Africa (Rob Stevens, X posts summary)
