By Samuel Adeola
Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes ended on Sunday after the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo on penalties at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The match finished 1-1 after 120 minutes. Frank Onyeka scored in the 3rd minute before Meschack Elia equalised in the 32nd.
Nigeria created late chances in extra time, but Tolu Arokodare missed a key header and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a vital save to keep the game level.
In the shootout, misses from Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon proved costly. Although Nwabali saved Congo’s first effort and Akor Adams converted his kick, the Leopards sealed a 4-3 victory with their fourth penalty.
The defeat means Nigeria will miss a second consecutive World Cup, while DR Congo progress to the intercontinental playoff for a place at the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Both teams had reached the final through dramatic semi-final wins, with Nigeria beating Gabon 4-1 after extra time and DR Congo edging Cameroon 1-0.
