Nigeria crash out of 2026 World Cup race after penalty shootout loss to DR Congo

Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday night after the Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco.

The game had finished 1–1 after 120 minutes of intense football at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time, the first time this has happened since the country made its World Cup debut in 1994. DR Congo, on their part, move on to the six-nation intercontinental playoff tournament billed for Mexico in March 2026, where they will compete for one of the final two tickets to the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Nigeria made the perfect start after Frank Onyeka scored just three minutes into the match, sending Nigerian fans into celebrations. But the joy did not last long. In the 32nd minute, Alex Iwobi lost the ball in midfield, and DR Congo quickly capitalised. Cedric Bakambu set up Meschak Elia, who finished from close range to make it 1–1.

The equaliser shifted momentum, and what had looked like a comfortable evening for Nigeria suddenly turned into a tightly contested game. The Super Eagles’ situation worsened when Victor Osimhen, who had scored five goals in his previous two matches, was forced off at halftime due to injury. Akor Adams replaced him, but Nigeria struggled to create clear chances afterwards.

Both teams had moments in extra time, but neither could find a winner. Tolu Arokodare missed a good chance for Nigeria, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial late save to keep the Eagles in the game. DR Congo even had a goal ruled out for a foul.

When penalties arrived, Nigeria failed to hold their nerves. Calvin Bassey missed the first kick, but Nwabali immediately saved DR Congo’s first attempt to keep things level. Akor Adams scored, but Moses Simon had his effort saved by Timothy Fayulu, who was brought on specifically for the shootout. Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke scored their kicks, but Semi Ajayi’s penalty was saved, leaving Nigeria behind. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba then scored the winning penalty to seal a 4–3 victory.

For DR Congo, this victory is historic as they aim for a first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Their coach, Sébastien Desabre, has built a disciplined and organised team capable of grinding out results in tight matches.

For Nigeria, the defeat is a major setback. The Super Eagles have now missed back-to-back World Cups after qualifying for six out of seven tournaments between 1994 and 2018. Several issues contributed to the loss, including Osimhen’s injury, missed penalties, the inability to kill off the game after taking the lead, and mental lapses at crucial moments.

Nigeria’s journey to this stage had already been troubled by off-field distractions, including a training boycott over unpaid bonuses before their semi-final against Gabon. Although they eventually defeated Gabon 4–1 in extra time, the problems resurfaced at the worst possible moment.

DR Congo now turn their attention to the intercontinental playoff in Mexico next March, where they will face teams from other confederations for a chance at World Cup qualification.

For Nigeria, rebuilding begins immediately. There will be questions about the future of coach Eric Chelle, the team’s mental preparation, player selection, and the Nigeria Football Federation’s handling of team welfare. The Super Eagles now shift focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and long-term plans for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

The night in Rabat told two different stories—DR Congo celebrated a massive step toward ending a 52-year wait for the World Cup, while Nigeria were left to deal with heartbreak, missed chances, and the reality of missing another global tournament.

Match Summary: Nigeria 1–1 DR Congo (Nigeria lost 3–4 on penalties)
Goals: Onyeka 3’ (NGA); Elia 32’ (DRC)

Nigeria Starting XI: Nwabali; Fredrick, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Lookman, Osimhen
DR Congo Starting XI: M’Pasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Masuaku; Ngal Mukau, Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Elia, Mbuku; Bakambu

Penalty Takers (Nigeria): Bassey (missed), Adams (scored), Simon (missed), Onyemaechi (scored), Ejuke (scored), Ajayi (missed)

Penalty Takers (DR Congo): Moutoussamy (missed), Sadiki (scored), Mayele (scored), Balikwisha (scored), Tuanzebe (missed), Mbemba (scored)