Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in crushing fashion on Sunday after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African play-off final in Rabat.
The Super Eagles made a sharp start, taking a third-minute lead when Frank Onyeka’s deflected strike found the net after DR Congo failed to clear Zaidu Sanusi’s cross.
But the Leopards grew into the contest and levelled in the 32nd minute, as Meschack Elia finished calmly after Cedric Bakambu pounced on a midfield error to release him.
Nigeria struggled to regain control after the break, with Victor Osimhen withdrawn early and Stanley Nwabali forced into key saves to deny Bakambu and later Chancel Mbemba.
Substitutes Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke offered fresh legs but Nigeria created little, and extra time brought more anxiety than chances.
DR Congo twice had the ball in the net during extra time, only for fouls in the build-up to spare Nigeria. Nwabali then produced a crucial late stop to keep out Mbemba’s header and push the match to penalties.
The shootout began disastrously for Nigeria as Calvin Bassey and Simon missed their opening kicks.
Nwabali responded with two saves to drag his side back into it, while Adams, Ejuke and Bruno Onyemaechi converted to make it 3-3.
But Timothy Fayulu denied Semi Ajayi in sudden death, allowing Mbemba to hammer home the winning penalty and seal DR Congo’s passage to the intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria’s campaign ends one step short, while DR Congo join Bolivia and New Caledonia in the six-team playoff tournament in Mexico next March, with AFC and CONCACAF sides to complete the lineup.
