Nigeria will not be at the 2026 World Cup after they lost the CAF playoff final to the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday night at the Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Nigeria took an early lead when Frank Onyeka fired in a goal in the 3rd minute, raising hopes of qualification excitement.
However, DR Congo equalized through M. Elia in the 32nd minute, keeping the contest finely balanced.
Both teams battled intensely through extra time. Tolu Arokodare’s missed header for Nigeria and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s critical save against a DR Congo free kick highlighted a match dominated by nerve and strategy but no further goals.
The fate of the match was sealed in a dramatic penalty shootout. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their spot-kicks, while Nwabali managed to deny DR Congo’s first attempt.
Akor Adams kept Nigeria’s hopes alive with a successful penalty, but DR Congo responded decisively through Sadique and clinched victory with a 4–3 shootout win.
This heartbreaking result sends DR Congo forward to the next stage, ending Nigeria’s World Cup dream prematurely.
