Nigeria’s dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a bitter blow on Sunday as the Super Eagles were eliminated by DR Congo in a dramatic playoff final. After a pulsating 1-1 draw following extra time, the tie was decided by penalties, where the Leopards held their nerve to win 4–3.
The Super Eagles started the match in perfect fashion, taking the lead inside three minutes through Frank Onyeka. The midfielder’s driven effort deflected off a defender, wrong-footing DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel M’Pasi and giving Nigeria an early advantage.
Despite Nigeria’s aggressive start, DR Congo gradually grew into the game. Chancel Mbemba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka probed the Nigerian defence, and their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute. Mechak Elia capitalised on a defensive lapse, dispossessing Alex Iwobi before calmly slotting the equaliser past Stanley Nwabali.
The goal shifted momentum, but Nigeria remained dangerous, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman testing the DR Congo defence leading into halftime. Early in the second half, Osimhen’s withdrawal due to injury allowed the Leopards to increase pressure, forcing Nwabali into several crucial saves, including a dramatic goal-line clearance.
Extra time saw DR Congo largely dominate as fatigue set in for Nigeria. The Leopards even had a goal disallowed for a prior foul but continued to pin the Super Eagles back. After 120 minutes, penalties became the cruel decider. Nigeria faltered from the spot, allowing DR Congo to seal a 4–3 shootout victory.
The win propels DR Congo into the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. For Nigeria, it is a painful setback, marking the second consecutive World Cup they will miss, and leaving the Super Eagles to reflect on a campaign of near-misses.
Deadlock broken from the spot, DR Congo are through to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament! 🇨🇩#WCQ pic.twitter.com/KcKtc0TEas
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 16, 2025
