In a tensed and dramatic finale to Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) edged out Nigeria 4-3 on penalties to secure a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, shattering the Super Eagles’ hopes of returning to the global stage.
The dramatic showdown unfolded at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, where a fiercely contested match ended 1-1 after extra time, forcing the resolution to spot-kicks.
DRC’s Chancel Mbemba emerged as the shootout hero, scoring the decisive penalty after Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon shockingly missed their first two attempts.
Nigeria struck first in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka, whose deflected effort wrong-footed DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and found the net.
The Super Eagles, buoyed by the early lead, dominated possession but struggled to convert chances, with Victor Osimhen—fresh off a brace in the semifinal against Gabon—profligate in front of goal before being substituted at halftime for Akor Adams.
DRC, known as the Leopards, refused to yield. In the 38th minute, Meschak Elia capitalized on a costly error by Wilfried Ndidi, pouncing on a loose ball in the box to level the scores and send the Congolese bench into raptures.
The second half saw both sides push for a winner, but stout defending and wayward finishing kept the deadlock intact through extra time.
The penalty lottery that followed was a nightmare for Nigeria. Bassey and Simon’s early misses handed DRC the initiative, and despite a valiant fightback from the remaining takers, the Super Eagles could not claw back the deficit. Mbemba’s cool finish sealed a famous victory for the underdogs, who now advance to March’s six-team intercontinental playoffs alongside teams from Asia, Oceania, and CONCACAF for the final two World Cup berths.
For Nigeria, the defeat caps a tortuous qualification campaign.
The three-time African champions finished second in Group C behind South Africa with 17 points, a solitary point shy of automatic qualification, before navigating past Gabon 4-1 in the semifinal thanks to goals from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, and Osimhen’s extra-time double.
Yet, their World Cup aspirations—last realized in 2018—now lie in ruins, prompting questions over coach Eric Chelle’s future amid a run that included four wins and two draws in the latter group stages.
DRC’s triumph, meanwhile, marks a remarkable resurgence. The Leopards narrowly missed out on automatic qualification during the regular qualifying rounds and had to fight for a possibility of appearing at the Mundial in 2026. This is the central African nation’s first major tournament shot since appearing as Zaire in 1974.
With Africa’s direct slots—led by powerhouses like Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt—DRC’s qualification for the playoffs adds another chapter to the continent’s growing World Cup footprint.
For Nigerian fans, the pain is acute, but the Super Eagles’ pedigree suggests this setback may only fuel their fire for future battles.