Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday following a painful 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the final of the African play-off in Rabat, Morocco.
Both teams were battling for a place in the inter-continental play-off after advancing as the best second-placed sides from the qualifying series.
Head coach Eric Chelle made two changes from the win against Gabon, bringing in Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka for Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Onyeka joined Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, while Ajayi’s introduction in central defence pushed Benjamin Fredrick to right back.
Onyeka justified his selection by giving Nigeria a third-minute lead after reacting quickest to a loose defensive clearance from a Zaidu Sanusi cross. His effort took a deflection past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
Nigeria missed two half-chances to extend their advantage, and DR Congo drew level in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia. After stealing possession in midfield, Elia was released by Cedric Bakambu and finished calmly into the right side of the net.
The second half began with an early setback for Nigeria as Victor Osimhen was substituted for Adams, seemingly due to injury.
Stanley Nwabali later denied Bakambu at the near post in the 54th minute after the striker attempted to curl a corner kick toward the bottom right corner.
Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke replaced Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, but the changes were insufficient to halt DR Congo’s momentum.
Nigeria struggled to create chances and survived a scare in the 83rd minute when Nwabali almost gifted the Leopards a goal before recovering, with the offside flag eventually intervening.
Three days after a physically demanding contest against Gabon, the Super Eagles were dragged into another 30 minutes of extra time.
DR Congo had the ball in the net twice, but both goals were ruled out for fouls in the build-up. Fiston Mayele was penalised for fouling Nwabali before scoring in the 95th minute, while Noah Sadiki’s dangerous play against Bruno Onyemaechi nullified another effort in the 110th minute.
The Leopards almost won it before the shootout, but Nwabali parried Chancel Mbemba’s dipping header to keep the score level.
In the shootout, Nwabali produced two saves to rescue Nigeria after Calvin Bassey and Simon missed the first two kicks. Adams, Ejuke and Onyemaechi scored to make it 3-3, but Semi Ajayi’s sixth effort was saved by Timothy Fayulu.
Mbemba then stepped up to convert the decisive kick and send DR Congo through.
The result ends Nigeria’s bid to reach the inter-continental play-off, which will feature six teams — one each from AFC, CAF (now DR Congo), CONMEBOL, and OFC, along with two from CONCACAF.
The tournament will be staged in Mexico in March 2026 to determine the final two World Cup slots.
Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (OFC) have already secured their places at the play-off, while qualifiers from CONCACAF and AFC will complete the lineup.