DR Congo Break Nigerians’ Hearts as Super Eagles Crash Out of 2026 World Cup Play-offs
Leopards Triumph in Rain-Soaked Shootout as Nigeria Miss Back-to-Back World Cups Despite Early Lead
- DR Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw to reach the intercontinental play-offs
- Nigeria miss a second straight World Cup, losing their spark after Victor Osimhen’s halftime substitution
- Chancel Mbemba scores decisive penalty, sending DR Congo within reach of their first World Cup since 1974
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup were shattered after DR Congo edged them 4-3 on penalties, following a gripping 1-1 stalemate after extra time in the African play-off final.
The Leopards sealed the dramatic victory when captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick in the sixth round of the shootout. His moment came after substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu—brought on solely for the penalties—denied Semi Ajayi to give the Congolese the advantage.
The win sends DR Congo into next March’s intercontinental play-off, keeping alive their dream of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.
Nigeria, however, will miss a second consecutive tournament after a lacklustre performance in neutral Rabat. The Super Eagles struck early through Frank Onyeka’s deflected effort in the third minute, but Meschack Elia pulled DR Congo level just over half an hour later.
The Nigerians lost their attacking spark once star striker Victor Osimhen was taken off at halftime, allowing DR Congo to dominate the ball and look the more dangerous side. Mbemba nearly settled it in extra time with a looping header, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a fine save to keep Nigeria alive.
In a rain-soaked shootout, Mbemba—who also scored a last-gasp winner against Cameroon on Thursday—once again delivered under pressure, sparking wild celebrations as his teammates sprinted the length of the pitch to salute their supporters.
For Nigeria, the defeat adds to a frustrating two-year qualifying journey marked by inconsistency and three managerial changes. Despite being heavy favourites and ranked 19 places above DR Congo, the Super Eagles lacked cutting edge, especially whenever Osimhen was unavailable.
Nigeria created few chances after their early goal, with their closest effort in extra time coming from Tolu Arokodare’s header over the bar. DR Congo also saw two potential winners from Fiston Mayele ruled out for fouls in the buildup.
The Leopards now join Bolivia and New Caledonia in the six-team inter-confederation play-off tournament, which will decide the final two spots for the 2026 World Cup. They could face up to two more games depending on Thursday’s draw, as teams from Asia and Concacaf complete the line-up.
