Nigeria’s Super Eagles have unfortunately lost the opportunity to clinch a ticket to the intercontinental play-offs on Sunday night, November 16, 2025, after they lost to the Leopards of DR Congo in the CAF playoff final of the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria had started the game on a good footing with midfielder Frank Onyeka, powering home a loose ball in the third minute during the tense encounter at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Zaidu Sanusi’s cross had been deflected by a DR Congo defender, and Onyeka lashed the ball into the bottom corner for the opener.
The hard-fighting Congolese were back on terms in the 32nd minute when Alex Iwobi was caught in possession, and Bakambu put the ball on a plate for Meschak Elia, who tapped home from close range.
On the restart, Head Coach Eric Chelle made a number of quick changes, pulling off goal king Victor Osimhen for upcoming Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman for Chidera Ejuke and Samuel Chukwueze for Moses Simon.
The changes seemed to backfire, as Nigeria literally collapsed, handing the initiative to DR Congo, who came close to scoring a number of times.
No other goal came during regulation time, forcing the match into 30 minutes extra time that equally produced no goal.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, DRCongo came out victorious despite Nwabali saving two kicks. The match ended 4-3.
The victory secures a position for DR Congo who advances to a six-nation intercontinental tournament in Mexico in March, featuring top teams from every football region except Europe.
For Nigeria, it is a second consecutive absence from the Mundial. The 2026 World Cup will see a record 48 nations compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
