By Aderonke Ojo
….Nigeria’s World Cup dreams shattered after penalty shootout loss to DR Congo
DR Congo claimed Africa’s sole ticket to the Inter-Confederation Play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dreams have been shattered after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF Playoffs final at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Sunday night.
Nigeria made the perfect start to the contest, taking the lead early on when Zaidu Sanusi’s low cross deflected into the path of Frank Onyeka.
The Brentford man fired a powerful strike that clipped Arthur Masuaku and sailed into the net, giving the Super Eagles a deserved advantage.
DR Congo nearly responded immediately after Stanley Nwabali failed to gather a set piece cleanly, but the Leopards were unable to pounce.
Nigeria continued to create chances, with Wilfred Ndidi’s long-range volley forcing a save from Mpazi-Nzau, while an Ademola Lookman cut-back saw Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze collide inside the box, wasting a promising opening.
The missed opportunities proved costly as the Leopards hit back in the 32nd minute. A swift counter-attack released Cédric Bakambu, who squared for Meschack Elia to calmly slot past Nwabali and level the score.
The goal galvanised DR Congo, allowing them to slow Nigeria’s momentum and limit clear chances as the first half wore on.
A notable concern emerged early in the second half as head coach Eric Chelle withdrew Victor Osimhen for Akor Adams, indicating the Galatasaray striker had picked up a knock.
DR Congo started the half brighter and carved out half-chances, while Nigeria’s response saw Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon replace Chukwueze and Lookman.
Despite the attacking changes, the Super Eagles struggled for control as the Leopards applied sustained pressure without finding a breakthrough. With neither side able to find a winner, the match moved into extra time — Nigeria’s second consecutive 120-minute battle.
DR Congo dominated the first period of extra time but failed to convert their pressure into goals. Nigeria’s best chance came against the run of play when Bruno Onyemaechi picked out Tolu Arokodare, but the Wolves forward couldn’t apply the finishing touch.
The tension heightened in the second period when DR Congo had a goal ruled out before captain Chancel Mbemba forced a crucial save from Nwabali in the final minutes to take the tie to penalties.
Substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, introduced just minutes before the shootout, became the hero. The Congo stopper saved two Nigerian spot-kicks to send DR Congo through to the Inter-confederation playoffs, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.