Nigeria’s Super Eagles crashed out of the 2026 World Cup race on Sunday, succumbing to a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo after a gruelling 1-1 draw through extra time in the African playoffs final, marking the end of their bid for a seventh appearance at the global showpiece.
The tense decider at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium saw both sides trade blows in a deadlock that stretched to 120 minutes, with DR Congo’s clinical spot-kick precision sealing Africa’s lone intercontinental playoff berth for March next year — a lifeline to join Bolivia, New Caledonia and either Iraq or the UAE in the final qualification hurdle.
Nigeria, riding high from a 4-1 extra-time triumph over Gabon four days prior, dominated possession but faltered in the clutch, their exit a bitter pill after topping their group as runners-up and now facing a seventh consecutive tournament absence since 2014.
The loss compounds frustrations for interim coach Eric Chelle, whose side included talismans Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi — the latter cleared by CAF just hours before kickoff — yet couldn’t convert pressure into victory.
DR Congo, absent from the World Cup since 1974, erupts in jubilation, their penalty heroics a testament to resilience under coach Sebastien Migne, propelling the Leopards toward potential redemption in the expanded 48-team format hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
