RABAT, MOROCCO — Nigeria’s bid for a place in the final playoff stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday night as the Super Eagles were edged 4‑3 on penalties by DR Congo at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. The match had finished 1‑1 after 120 minutes of intense action, leaving the fate of a coveted spot in the six‑team playoff tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey to be decided from the spot‑kick line.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the perfect start, firing home in the third minute to send the Nigerian contingent into early celebration. DR Congo drew level just before the half‑hour when Meschack Elia pounced on a loose ball to equalise in the 32nd minute. Both sides created chances in the second half and during extra time, but neither could break the deadlock, sending the game to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, the Leopards held their nerve. Congolese captain Chancel Mbemba stepped up for the decisive kick and buried it, sealing a 4‑3 victory. “We kept our composure and believed in every kick,” Mbemba said after the match. “It’s a huge moment for us to go to Mexico and fight for a World Cup ticket.”
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle expressed disappointment but praised his players. “We gave everything on the pitch, but it wasn’t our night,” Chelle said. “We were unlucky in the shootout, but we are proud of the effort.”
The result sends DR Congo into the inter‑confederation playoff in March, where they will join five other nations in Guadalajara and Monterrey for the final two World Cup berths. Nigeria, meanwhile, will watch the tournament from afar after missing out on a second consecutive World Cup appearance.
