DR Congo clinched a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Nigeria on Sunday after a 1-1 extra-time draw in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs final, propelling the Leopards into March’s inter-confederation decider while shattering the Super Eagles’ hopes of a seventh tournament appearance.
Nigeria struck first in the third minute through midfielder Frank Onyeka’s clinical finish, but Meschak Elia levelled for the Congolese in the 32nd with a deft header, setting the stage for a tense stalemate that spilled into spot-kicks at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
In the shootout, DR Congo’s stand-in goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu — on just his second cap after a late substitution — emerged the hero, saving efforts from Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi while seeing Moses Simon’s strike hit the woodwork. Chancel Mbemba slotted the decisive fourth penalty, his second match-winner in three days after sinking Cameroon in the semis.
Nigeria’s Akor Adams, Kingsley Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke converted, but the misses proved fatal, extending the Eagles’ World Cup drought to three straight absences since 2010.
Post-match chaos ensued as Nigeria coach Eric Chelle accused the Congolese of “voodoo” rituals during the shootout, claiming their antics disrupted his players. “During all of the penalties, the players of Congo were doing some voodoo,” Chelle fumed, referring to it as “maraboutage” and confronting opposition staff in a scuffle that required intervention from his backroom team.
DR Congo’s representative swiftly denied the allegations, while manager Sebastien Desabre brushed off the drama, saying: “Not an issue.”
Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong, fighting back tears, reflected on the heartbreak: “Devastated… but this team has a bright future.”
The win catapults DR Congo — absent since 1974 — toward a potential return, facing off against one of Bolivia, New Caledonia, Iraq or the UAE in the global playoffs. For Nigeria, the agony compounds a qualifying campaign marred by early stumbles, turning focus to redemption at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
