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Nigeria’s long, gruelling journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in despair on a tense evening in Rabat, where the Super Eagles were beaten 4–3 on penalties by DR Congo after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, Footynaija.com reports.
It was a night that began in promise but unravelled into an agonising conclusion that will sit heavily with Nigerian football for months to come.
Frank Onyeka had given the Super Eagles the perfect start, sweeping home a low finish with just three minutes played after Congo’s backline failed to react to a loose ball.
The early lead steadied Nigeria’s nerves, and Wilfred Ndidi nearly doubled the advantage shortly after with a crisp effort from the edge of the area, only for the DR Congo goalkeeper to push it away with a sharp save.
But Nigeria’s control dissolved in the 32nd minute when Meschak Elia punished hesitation in the Super Eagles’ defence, pouncing inside the box to level the match at 1–1.
The equaliser rattled Nigeria, though Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen carved out half-chances before the break, neither able to re-establish the lead.
Head coach Eric Chelle made a surprising switch at half-time, withdrawing Osimhen, who appeared to be carrying a knock, for Akor Adams.
Without their talisman, Nigeria’s attack lost its bite. DR Congo seized control of possession throughout the second half, forcing the Super Eagles deeper and deeper as Stanley Nwabali produced several interventions to steady the ship. The goalkeeper nearly gifted the Leopards a goal with a misplaced pass, but Congo failed to punish the mistake.
Twice Congo DR found the back of the net, once in the second half and again in extra time, only for the referee to disallow both efforts for fouls in the build-up. Nigeria survived by the slimmest margins but offered little going forward as extra time became an exercise in holding on.
Penalties, however, proved unforgiving. Calvin Bassey, Nigeria’s standout performer on the night, missed the first kick before Nwabali produced an excellent save to keep the shootout level. Moses Simon then saw penalty saved, handing Congo the initiative.
Akor Adams finally converted to give Nigeria a foothold, and Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke followed with composed efforts as Nwabali delivered another big stop.
But Semi Ajayi’s miss opened the door, and Chancel Mbemba walked through it, dispatching Congo’s decisive penalty to seal a 4–3 win and end Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
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