Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday night, as the Super Eagles fell 4-2 on penalties to DR Congo after a tense and draining 1-1 draw across 120 minutes at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
In the pre-match report Softfootball dubbed the match against DR Congo as a do-or-die encounter, and this match wasn’t short of unpredictability; it was a match that swung wildly, felt cagey at times, and honestly dragged nerves to the edge for both sides. In the end, though, Congo kept their cool just a bit longer.
In a defiant message posted via their official X account , the Super Eagles have urged everyone to chin up and stand strong in the face of disappointment.
They posted:
Nigeria actually began the match with real purpose and even brighter energy than many expected. Their early pressure paid off when Zaidu Sanusi drilled a low cross into the DR Congo box.
The ball bounced awkwardly, clipped Arthur Masuaku, and fell kindly for Frank Onyeka, who smashed home a shot that took a favourable deflection on its way into the net.
For a brief moment, it looked like the Super Eagles might build on that momentum. Wilfred Ndidi tested the Congolese keeper with a sharp long-range effort, while Ademola Lookman created what should have been a golden chance, only for Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze to get in each other’s way in the box. That missed moment would soon sting.
Because in the 32nd minute, DR Congo struck right back. A quick counter sliced through the Nigerian midfield, and Cédric Bakambu squared the ball perfectly for Meschack Elia, who calmly slid it past Stanley Nwabali. Suddenly, all that early Nigerian confidence evaporated a little.
Things took another worrying turn after halftime when star striker Victor Osimhen was substituted for Akor Adams, sparking immediate fears amongst fans that he had picked up a knock and he won’t be able to continue leading the charge. And without Osimhen, Nigeria lacked their usual bite up front, even after Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon came on to inject fresh pace.
Extra time came, Nigeria’s second straight 120-minute fight, and DR Congo looked the stronger side. They pushed hard, forced Nwabali into action, and even had a goal chalked off. Nigeria’s best look came when Bruno Onyemaechi found Tolu Arokodare, but the Wolves forward couldn’t finish the moment that might’ve rescued the night.
Then came the shootout, and heartbreak followed. DR Congo introduced goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu just minutes before penalties, and the move paid off spectacularly. He saved two Nigerian spot-kicks, sealing Congo’s ticket to the Inter-confederation playoffs and slamming the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream shut.
