DR Congo end Nigeria’s World Cup hopes in a dramatic shoot-out

Rabat – The Confederation of African Football qualifiers delivered a major shock at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, where the Democratic Republic of the Congo ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a tense playoff match, DR Congo held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out to secure progress, leaving Nigeria to face another painful setback and miss back‑to‑back tournaments for the first time since the 1980s.”

Nigeria started fast, scoring in three minutes when Frank Onyeka’s strike deflected into the net. But DR Congo responded in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia, who equalized to make it 1-1 before halftime.

Neither side could find a winner in extra time, and penalties decided the match. DR Congo won 4–3 in the shoot-out, booking their place in March’s inter-confederation playoffs and keeping their World Cup dream alive. Nigeria’s campaign ended in disappointment.

For DR Congo, this was a landmark night. The country, known as Zaire when it last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, rarely advances this far in qualification. Their resilience under pressure showed a new level of maturity.

Nigeria, one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights, struggled to impose themselves. The injury to star striker Victor Osimhen after halftime weakened their attack, and they lacked the sharpness needed to finish chances.

Tactically, DR Congo stayed organized, absorbed pressure, and forced the game into penalties. Their composure proved decisive, while Nigeria’s missed spot-kick sealed their fate.

Looking ahead, DR Congo will compete in the inter-confederation playoff in March, aiming to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria, meanwhile, must regroup and rebuild as they prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in December, hosted in Morocco.

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