Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended heartbreakingly on Sunday after the Super Eagles lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in the final of the African play-off in Rabat, Morocco.
The decisive clash featured two teams who advanced from the pool of best second-placed finishers during the qualifying series each hoping to secure a place in the inter-continental play-off scheduled for March 2026.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made two changes from the victory over Gabon, fielding Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka ahead of Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Onyeka partnered Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in midfield, while Ajayi’s introduction pushed rising star Benjamin Fredrick to right-back.
Nigeria found the breakthrough in the 3rd minute when Frank Onyeka capitalised on a loose clearance from a Zaidu Sanusi cross, firing home with a deflected effort past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
However, the Eagles failed to convert two promising opportunities that could have doubled their lead a wastefulness that proved costly.
DR Congo responded in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia, who combined neatly with Cedric Bakambu before finishing confidently into the right corner.
Chelle withdrew Victor Osimhen likely due to injury for Adams shortly after the restart. Congo continued to threaten, with Nwabali denying Bakambu’s clever near-post effort in the 54th minute.
Substitutes Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke were introduced for Lookman and Chukwueze, but the changes could not tilt momentum Nigeria’s way.
The Eagles struggled to string together decisive attacking moves, while defensive lapses created anxious moments.
In the 83rd minute, Nwabali nearly gifted the Leopards a goal but recovered quickly to block the loose ball before the offside flag intervened.
The match dragged into extra time Nigeria’s second in three days further draining the squad. DR Congo scored twice, but both goals were disallowed:
• Fiston Mayele fouled Nwabali before finishing a loose ball in the 95th minute.
• Noah Sadiki was penalised for dangerous play against Onyemachi before scoring in the 110th minute.
Nwabali produced a crucial save just before the shootout, tipping over Chancel Mbemba’s dipping header.
Despite a difficult evening, Nwabali saved two spot kicks. But Nigeria’s early misses by Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon proved fatal.
Ejuke, Adams and Onyemaechi converted their attempts to keep the contest level at 3–3.
However, DR Congo goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu stopped Semi Ajayi’s effort, and captain Mbemba sealed the 4–3 win, sending the Leopards into the inter-continental play-off and ending Nigeria’s qualification dream.
The final play-off tournament featuring six teams from CAF, AFC, CONMEBOL, OFC and CONCACAF will take place in Mexico in March 2026.
So far, DR Congo (CAF), Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (OFC) have secured their spots, with teams from Asia and North/Central America expected to complete the lineup.
