The Democratic Republic of Congo, DR Congo, has knocked out the Super Eagles on penalties (4-3) in a 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff final.
This defeat means Nigeria will miss a second consecutive World Cup, while the Leopards of DR Congo advance to the intercontinental playoff stage, keeping their 52-year World Cup wait alive.
The Super Eagles began the match well showing their determination to secure their place in the intercontinental playoffs.
Frank Onyeka found the back of the net in just the third minute, his deflected shot giving the Super Eagles an early advantage.
However, the Congolese side, pushed back, leveling the score in the 32nd minute through Mechak Elia.
The first half ended 1-1, but the turning point came at the start of the second half when star striker Victor Osimhen was forced to withdraw due to injury, a blow that visibly impacted Nigeria’s attacking threat.
For the remainder of regulation time and all of extra time, DR Congo looked the more purposeful side, relentlessly testing the Nigerian defense.
The Super Eagles, weary and lacking the attacking inspiration of Osimhen, relied on dogged defending to simply survive and force the game to a shootout. Despite having two potential winning goals disallowed, the Leopards kept their nerve.
In the subsequent penalty shootout, DR Congo’s substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu proved to be the hero. After early misses from Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon put the Super Eagles on the back foot, Fayulu made a crucial save against Semi Ajayi in the sixth round.
This set the stage for DR Congo’s captain, Chancel Mbemba, to step up and confidently slot home the decisive kick.
The 4-3 shootout victory means DR Congo knocked out Super Eagles and sealed their passage to the mini-tournament in Mexico next March, where they will compete for one of the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup.
For Nigeria, the feeling is one of disappointment and a repeat of their 2022 qualifying failure.
After DR Congo knocked out the Super Eagles, several Nigerians have called for scrutiny of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF)
The calls came after the Super Eagles players boycotted training last Tuesday over unpaid allowances and bonuses since 2019.
Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong had revealed that the team boycotted training in protest over the unpaid allowances and bonuses.
He said that the players had not made any extra demands beyond the settlement of their entitlements.
He said: “Once a resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm.
“Any other statement/claim or eSPECIALly demands other than the rightful request written about below is FALSE.
“All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead
However, barely 24 hours later, Troost-Ekong announced that their allowances and bonuses had been paid in full.
“Issue RESOLVED. Outstanding financials cleared and on the ground. Team is UNITED and focused as before on representing NIGERIA with our maximum for the games ahead!” Ekong’s stated.
Despite the development, many Nigerians maintained criticism of the NFF, with many wondering why the Federation had to wait till the players complained before doing the right thing.
Below are some of the reactions;
