Super Eagles Pay the Penalty as World Cup Dream Ends
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end in Rabat, Morocco, as the Super Eagles lost on penalties to DR Congo in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) second round play-off final.
After 120 minutes of tense football at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, the Leopards held their nerve in the shootout to secure Africa’s sole ticket to next year’s inter-confederation play-offs.
The drama unfolded when Chancel Mbemba, who had scored a last-gasp winner against Cameroon in the semi-final, converted the decisive spot-kick after substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu denied Semi Ajayi in sudden death.
Nigeria had made the perfect start, taking the lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka’s deflected strike. But DR Congo responded midway through the first half, with Meschak Elia slotting home to level the contest.
Despite chances at both ends, neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation or extra time, setting the stage for a nerve-shredding shootout.
In the end, it was DR Congo who prevailed, confirming their place in FIFA’s inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for early next year, where six teams will battle for two coveted World Cup spots.
For Nigeria, the defeat marks the end of their campaign and a bitter disappointment for a team that had hoped to return to football’s biggest stage after missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
