DR Congo Crushes Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes in Nail-Biting Shoot-Out

Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 World Cup came to a crushing end after a 4-3 loss on penalties to DR Congo in the African play-off final in Rabat, Morocco. Both sides had scraped through as runners-up in their groups, making this a high-stakes showdown for a shot at the global stage.

The Super Eagles struck first in the third minute. Frank Onyeka pounced on a loose ball from Zaidu Sanusi’s cross, his effort taking a deflection to beat DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau. But the Leopards hit back midway through the first half, with Meschack Elia slotting home a tidy finish from Cedric Bakambu’s pass to level the score.

Nigeria’s defence held firm after the break, even as DR Congo pressed hard. Stanley Nwabali pulled off vital stops, denying Bakambu early in the second half and Chancel Mbemba deep into extra time. Coach Bruno Labbadia swapped Victor Osimhen—possibly hurt—for Akor Adams, and later brought on Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke for Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze.

Extra time brought drama, with DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele and Noah Sadiki having goals ruled out for fouls in the 95th and 110th minutes. No more scores meant spot-kicks decided it.

Nigeria faltered from the start, with Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missing their first two efforts. DR Congo’s Chidera Ejuke and Onyeka scored to make it 3-3, but Semi Ajayi’s penalty was stopped by Timothy Fayulu. Mbemba then nailed the winner to send the Leopards through.

The win puts DR Congo into the March 2026 inter-continental play-offs in Mexico, facing Bolivia and New Caledonia for the final two World Cup spots. For Nigeria, it’s heartbreak and the end of their qualification run.