Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday evening after the Tremendous Eagles misplaced 5–4 on penalties to DR Congo within the CAF Playoff Ultimate in Rabat.
The match had ended 1–1 after 120 minutes on the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Nigeria made a powerful begin and opened the scoring within the third minute when Zaidu Sanusi’s low cross discovered Frank Onyeka, whose shot deflected off Arthur Masuaku into the online.
The Tremendous Eagles continued to dominate the early levels, with probabilities falling to Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze, whereas Victor Osimhen additionally threatened from the correct flank.
DR Congo equalised within the thirty second minute. A midfield turnover allowed Cedric Bakambu to launch Meshack Elia, who completed calmly previous goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The objective shifted momentum, and the Leopards managed the tempo heading into the break.
Nigeria suffered a setback when Osimhen didn’t return for the second half as a result of harm. Regardless of this, the Tremendous Eagles created key moments, together with an important save from Nwabali within the 53rd minute and a late effort from Tolu Arokodare that went narrowly over in additional time.
The match proceeded to penalties after neither aspect discovered a breakthrough in 120 minutes. Jerome Akor, Chidera Ejuke and Bruno Onyemaechi scored their kicks for Nigeria, however the Tremendous Eagles missed three: Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon didn’t convert, and Semi Ajayi’s sudden-death effort was saved.
DR Congo scored their subsequent kick to seal victory and advance to the Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico.
Nigeria, who had fought again strongly after a tough qualifying marketing campaign, now miss out on a second consecutive World Cup.
