Nigeria miss out on 2026 FIFA World Cup

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on Sunday night after a dramatic play-off in which DR Congo overturned an early deficit and prevailed in a tense penalty shootout.

Frank Onyeka’s deflected third-minute strike ignited the contest and briefly lifted the home crowd, with Nigeria threatening again through Wilfred Ndidi’s long-range effort that forced Lionel Mpasi into a save.

Although Victor Osimhen suffered a knock from an accidental elbow by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, he returned to the pitch as the Super Eagles continued to look lively on counterattacks but failed to apply the finishing touch in promising moments.

DR Congo’s response grew sharper as the first half progressed, and a misplaced pass by Alex Iwobi in the 32nd minute allowed Cedric Bakambu to set up Meschak Elia for a simple finish that restored parity.

Nigeria ended the half pressing for another breakthrough, but Ademola Lookman’s stoppage-time free kick failed to trouble the visitors.

Osimhen’s withdrawal at the start of the second half significantly altered Nigeria’s rhythm. Without their lead striker, the home side struggled to hold possession as DR Congo dictated play, pushed the Super Eagles deeper into their own half, and appealed for a penalty during a VAR review involving Arthur Masuaku and Charles Ajayi.

Substitutes such as Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke attempted to steady Nigeria’s performance, yet DR Congo maintained control and nearly punished a poor back pass from Stanley Nwabali when Brittney Cipenga closed in during the 83rd minute.

Extra time largely belonged to the visitors, who pressed relentlessly and had a potential winner disallowed in the 109th minute for a foul during the buildup.

Nigeria, forced into a defensive posture for long stretches, created only a single clear opening when Arokodare headed over from a cross.

The shootout opened badly for Nigeria as Calvin Bassey missed the first attempt. Nwabali responded by denying Moutoussamy and Tuanzebe, allowing Nigeria to remain in contention through successful kicks from Adams, Onyemaechi and Ejuke.

The contest moved into sudden death after both sides continued converting under pressure, but Semi Ajayi’s miss on Nigeria’s seventh attempt proved costly. DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba stepped forward and calmly sent Nwabali the wrong way to secure victory for the Leopards and spark jubilant celebrations among the visiting side.

The result sends DR Congo into the next stage of the qualifiers and leaves Nigeria absent from a second consecutive World Cup, the first time such a setback has occurred since the Super Eagles began their World Cup journey in 1994.