Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday, as they lost 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo.
The Super Eagles, chasing a seventh World Cup appearance, took an early lead in the 3rd minute when Frank Onyeka struck a deflected shot past the DR Congo keeper. But their advantage didn’t last. Meschack Elia equalized just after the half-hour mark, punishing a costly turnover from Alex Iwobi with a swift counterattack finished coolly past Stanley Nwabali.
Both sides had chances to win it in normal time, Cedric Bakambu’s clever backheel nearly gave DR Congo the lead, while Nigeria’s appeals for a second-half penalty were waved away. As fatigue set in, especially for a Nigerian side that needed extra time to see off Gabon in the semifinal, DR Congo began to take control.
With the score locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, the game went to penalties. DR Congo’s coach made a bold call, subbing in goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu just before the shootout—a gamble that paid off as Fayulu saved two spot-kicks, including one from Semi Ajayi in the sixth round. Captain Chancel Mbemba then stepped up to bury the decisive penalty, sealing a historic win.
Nigeria’s road to the World Cup ends here, while DR Congo, who last qualified in 1974 under the name Zaire, now move on to the inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026, where six teams will compete for the final two spots in the expanded 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Africa’s Confirmed Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup:
- Egypt
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Ghana
- Cape Verde
- Morocco
- Ivory Coast
- Algeria
- Tunisia
DR Congo still have a chance to join them, but Nigeria will be staying home.