Nigeria’s hope of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered a devastating blow on Sunday as the Super Eagles crashed out of contention, losing to DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation and extra time. The high-stakes encounter, played at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan in Rabat, will be remembered as one of the most heartbreaking nights in recent Nigerian football history.
The Eagles started the contest with admirable urgency, dominating the opening minutes and pressing aggressively. Their early ambition paid off in the 3rd minute, when Frank Onyeka unleashed a powerful low strike that beat the Congolese goalkeeper, sending the Nigerian bench into celebration.
But as has often been the case in recent years, the early goal appeared to slow Nigeria’s momentum. The intensity dipped, the fluidity waned, and the Eagles shifted into a more relaxed, entertainment-focused style with little attacking threat.
Sensing their opponents’ drop in tempo, the Leopards of DR Congo grew into the game. Their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute, when Meschack Elia capitalized on hesitant defending to slot home the equalizer. The first half ended 1–1, leaving everything to fight for.
The second half brought a major turning point: the withdrawal of star striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s primary attacking outlet. His substitution dramatically altered the dynamic of the match, stripping the Eagles of their cutting edge and allowing the Leopards to take control.
DR Congo pressed aggressively for the remainder of the game, repeatedly threatening the Nigerian defense. Despite flashes of resistance and several crucial saves from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria failed to mount consistent attacks.
Neither side could find a winner during the 90 minutes or the additional 30 minutes of extra time, sending the match into a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
Penalty Heartbreak
Penalty shootouts—often described as a cruel lottery—did not favor Nigeria. The Super Eagles missed three of their attempts, with Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all failing to convert from the spot.
Nwabali produced two impressive saves, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the team. Chancel Mbemba stepped up to score the decisive penalty for DR Congo, sealing a 4–3 shootout victory for the Leopards and sparking wild celebrations.
With the win, DR Congo advance to the inter-confederation playoffs, a six-team tournament in March that will determine the final two slots for the 2026 World Cup. The Leopards will now dream of returning to the global stage for the first time since 1974.
For Nigeria, the defeat marks a painful milestone: the Super Eagles will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive edition, a development likely to spark major questions about management, player commitment, tactics, and the future direction of the national team.
