Nigeria fail to qualify for 2nd consecutive World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout during the African playoffs final.
Despite taking an early lead, Nigeria struggled for control throughout the match, eventually falling 3–3 on penalties after regulation and extra time ended 1–1. Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Congolese Leopards into the intercontinental playoffs.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali managed to save two penalties, but misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi sealed Nigeria’s fate.
The match had begun on a promising note for the Eagles. Frank Onyeka opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a powerful long-range strike that took a deflection past the Congolese goalkeeper. However, DR Congo responded in the 32nd minute through Mechak Elia, who finished off a swift counterattack after Alex Iwobi lost possession in midfield.
Nigeria’s performance deteriorated noticeably after the break, especially following Victor Osimhen’s forced substitution due to injury. His exit exposed the team’s attacking frailties, with replacement Adams Akor unable to replicate the Napoli star’s influence up front.
The midfield trio struggled to maintain shape and possession. Iwobi looked uncertain, Wilfred Ndidi lacked creativity, and Onyeka found himself chasing shadows as DR Congo dominated the middle of the park.
Coach Eric Chelle attempted to inject fresh energy by introducing Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke, as well as Tolu Arokodare later on, but the changes did little to sharpen Nigeria’s blunt attack. Only the resilience of defenders Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick prevented the Congolese from sealing the game before penalties.
In the shootout, Nigeria’s poor finishing proved costly, as DR Congo held their nerve to advance.
This marks the second consecutive World Cup the Super Eagles will miss, having also failed to qualify for Qatar 2022. It is the first time the team has missed back-to-back tournaments since making its World Cup debut in 1994.
