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2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off: DR Congo Eliminates Nigeria on Penalties

Posted : 18 November 2025

The Super Eagles of Nigeria fought valiantly but fell short in a sudden-death penalty shootout as the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo advanced, keeping their hopes for a second FIFA World Cup appearance alive.

Sunday night’s Africa Playoff final at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat was tense and fiercely contested. Nigeria took an early lead in the third minute when Zaidu Sanusi’s cross found Frank Onyeka, whose deflected shot found the back of the net.

The Eagles pushed forward, with stand-in captain Wilfred Ndidi seeing a close-range effort sail over the bar, while DR Congo threatened from a free-kick on the right, which narrowly missed. In the 31st minute, Victor Osimhen sprinted down the right flank, but his cross was expertly saved by the Congolese goalkeeper.

A minute later, DR Congo equalized when Meshak Elia outpaced Ndidi to slot the ball past Stanley Nwabali after Nigeria lost possession in midfield.

Osimhen was forced off due to injury after the first half, yet the Super Eagles continued to fight for World Cup qualification. Nwabali remained alert throughout, making crucial saves, including one from a delicate header in the 53rd minute. Regulation time ended 1–1, pushing the match into extra time.

During first-half extra time, Tolu Arokodare’s header from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross went over the bar, and in the dying moments, Nwabali denied another goal-bound header as DR Congo pressed for a winner.

The match ultimately went to penalties, where both sides missed two of their initial five kicks. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Simon Moses failed to convert, while Jerome Akor, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Chidera Ejuke scored for the Eagles. Defender Semi Ajayi had his kick saved, and DR Congo converted their next attempt to secure victory and a place in the Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico.

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