The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup after a gruelling contest with DR Congo ended in a 4–3 defeat on penalties.
Nigeria made a fast start in Rabat but were pegged back as DR Congo fought their way level in a lively first half of the playoff clash, Footballrover reports.
Super Eagles take early lead but DR Congo fight back
Frank Onyeka opened the scoring in the third minute after Zaidu Sanusi’s cross caused chaos in the DR Congo box.
A poor clearance fell kindly for the midfielder, whose 20-yard strike — helped by a deflection — nestled into the bottom corner to hand the Super Eagles an early advantage.
Nigeria controlled the early tempo, moving the ball with confidence and creating sustained pressure.
By the 30-minute mark, the Eagles had carved out multiple openings but were unable to extend their lead.
DR Congo drew level in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia. A sharp counter-attack saw Cédric Bakambu carry the ball forward before sliding a pass across goal, with Elia beating Wilfred Ndidi to clip home the equaliser.
Both sides went into the break locked at 1-1, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second half.
Nigeria were dealt a major setback immediately after the restart as Victor Osimhen failed to continue.
The striker, who appeared to be limping at half-time, was withdrawn in the 46th minute, with Akor Adams introduced to lead the line.
It was a significant blow for the Super Eagles, who lost their most dangerous outlet in attack.
Osimhen injury setback and tense penalty heartbreak
Despite the disruption, Nigeria maintained their grip on the contest. By the 70th minute, they were firmly on the front foot, pinning DR Congo back and pushing aggressively for a second goal.
Wave after wave of pressure kept the Leopards defending well, and breakthroughs continued to elude the Nigerians.
The match eventually finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, sending the World Cup playoff into extra time.
With two minutes added at the end of extra time, the Super Eagles threw everything forward one last time but neither side could find a breakthrough
The playoff showdown ultimately headed to a penalty shootout, where the Eagles’ World Cup dream ultimately slipped away.
Nigeria fell 4–3 in the shootout, confirming their absence from a second consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Calvin Bassey missed Nigeria’s opening kick, immediately putting the pressure on.
Stanley Nwabali responded with a strong save from DR Congo’s first attempt, dragging the Eagles back into it.
But the tension grew as Moses Simon saw his effort saved, while DR Congo converted their next kick to regain the advantage.
Akor Adams then buried his penalty with confidence, keeping Nigeria alive. Nwabali produced another crucial save moments later, offering the Super Eagles renewed hope.
Bruno Onyemaechi stepped up and scored to level the shootout, shifting momentum once more.
But heartbreak followed. Semi Ajayi had his decisive effort saved by the Congo goalkeeper, allowing DR Congo to convert the winning kick and seal their place at the 2026 World Cup.
After a gruelling 120 minutes and an emotional shootout, Nigeria’s campaign ended in painful fashion.
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