Nigeria Out Of 2026 WWC Playoffs As DR Congo Beats Super Eagles In Penalty

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup quest came to a painful end on Sunday night after the Super Eagles fell to DR Congo in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout following a 1-1 stalemate in Rabat.

Frank Onyeka fired Nigeria into an electrifying lead inside the opening three minutes, raising hopes of a confident Nigerian march into the intercontinental playoff. But DR Congo hit back in the 32nd minute through Meschak Elia, punishing a momentary defensive lapse that shifted momentum away from the Eagles.

With both sides pushing aggressively in extra time, Nigeria came agonisingly close on several occasions yet lacked the cutting edge, especially after talisman Victor to Osimhen limped off early in the second half. Despite spirited efforts from Arokodare, Onyemaechi and the midfield, the Congolese defence refused to crack.

The penalty shootout turned into a nightmare. Calvin Bassey’s opening miss rattled the squad, Semi Ajayi had his kick saved, and Moses Simon failed to convert as well. DR Congo kept their cool from the spot, sealing their ticket to the intercontinental playoff and slamming the door on Nigeria’s World Cup dream.