The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been eliminated from the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Sunday’s CAF play-off final in Morocco.
The match ended 1-1 after extra time before Nigeria fell short in the shoot-out.
Nigeria’s journey to the play-offs had already been a difficult one. They missed out on automatic qualification after South Africa topped Group C with a final-day victory over Rwanda, forcing Nigeria into a mini-tournament for the four best runners-up.
Frank Onyeka’s late strike ensured Nigeria edged Burkina Faso on goal difference to secure a place.
Based on FIFA rankings, Nigeria—ranked 41st and the highest among the four teams, were drawn against Gabon, the lowest at 77th, in the semi-final. That tie finished 1-1 in regulation time before Chidera Ejuke scored early in extra time and Victor Osimhen netted twice to complete a 4-1 win and send the Super Eagles into the final.
Meanwhile, DR Congo had reached the showdown by defeating Cameroon, with Chancel Mbemba scoring a dramatic 91st-minute winner.
The final on Sunday evening was tightly contested. After 120 minutes ended level at 1-1, the match went to penalties.
DR Congo converted four of their six attempts, while Nigeria scored three and despite two saves by Eagles keeper Nwabili, sealing Nigeria’s elimination.
The result means DR Congo advance to the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico, where six teams from different confederations will compete for the last two World Cup slots.
For Nigeria, the defeat closes the door on hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2018. Meanwhile Congo face a chance it returning to the competition for the first time since 1974.
