Nigeria's aspirations of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were tragically cut short following a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in Rabat. The Super Eagles, who had taken an early lead, ultimately succumbed to a resilient DR Congo side after the match concluded 1-1 following 120 minutes of tense football.

The Super Eagles initiated the final strongly inside the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. Just three minutes into the game, a cross from Zaidu Sanusi found Frank Onyeka, whose shot deflected beyond the Congolese goalkeeper, giving Nigeria the perfect start. With Wilfred Ndidi orchestrating the midfield and Victor Osimhen posing a constant threat down the channels, Nigeria initially appeared the sharper team. However, DR Congo soon found their footing, and an equalizer arrived in the 32nd minute when Meschak Elia capitalized on a midfield turnover, beating Ndidi and calmly steering the ball past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

A pivotal moment in the match occurred when star striker Victor Osimhen was forced off due to injury early in the second half. DR Congo defender Noah Sadiki later revealed that their tactical plan centered on neutralizing Osimhen, believing that "if we can keep Osimhen quiet, we have a chance of winning the game." Osimhen's departure significantly altered Nigeria's attacking rhythm; their creative spark evaporated, and the team struggled to link midfield to attack, spending prolonged periods on the defensive as the Leopards seized control of the tempo. This injury compounded Osimhen's personal frustration, as he will now have to wait until at least 2030 for another World Cup opportunity.

Despite several vital saves from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, including a point-blank header deep into extra time, neither side could find a winner, pushing the high-stakes encounter into a penalty shootout. The shootout proved to be Nigeria's undoing. Calvin Bassey missed the opening spot-kick, and Moses Simon also failed to convert. Although Jerome Akor, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Chidera Ejuke found the net, Semi Ajayi’s sudden-death effort was saved. DR Congo, maintaining their composure, converted their crucial kicks, with captain Chancel Mbemba scoring the decisive penalty that secured their passage to the intercontinental playoffs and extinguished Nigeria’s World Cup dreams.

Following the heartbreak, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle shed light on Osimhen's substitution, confirming it was due to an injury. Chelle also expressed his frustration during the penalty shootout, claiming that a DR Congo official engaged in "voodoo" rituals, making suspicious hand movements and pouring an unknown substance during each Nigerian penalty attempt, which he felt distracted his players. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali issued a heartfelt apology to the nation, taking full responsibility for the disappointing outcome. He acknowledged the pain felt by supporters, stating, "I was once a fan on the streets of Nigeria. I know how it feels to give you a disappointing night." For DR Congo, the victory brings them within touching distance of their first World Cup appearance since 1974, keeping their global aspirations alive.