The Super Eagles of Nigeria will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a defeat to DR Congo in the final of the African playoff round. The crucial match concluded with a 1-1 draw in regulation time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout where DR Congo emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline. This marks a significant disappointment for Nigerian football, as it is the first time the nation has failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups since its debut in 1994, having also missed out on the 2022 tournament.

During the penalty shootout, key Super Eagles players Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all missed their kicks. Despite the heroics of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who saved two penalties, it was not enough to secure qualification, with Chancel Mbemba scoring the decisive penalty for DR Congo. Reflecting on the painful loss, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey stated, "A lot happened, but it is just what it is." He is now set to return to England for club duties.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also shared his sentiments following the defeat, asserting that the Super Eagles "did our best for the badge" throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign, even though their efforts ultimately "wasn't enough." In an Instagram post, Nwabali, acknowledging his past as a fan, expressed understanding of "how it feels giving you a disappointing night" and affirmed that the players "take full responsibility" for the outcome. The team's preparations for the playoffs were not without controversy, as the Eagles reportedly boycotted a training session in protest of unpaid allowances, resuming only after their demands were met by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In response to the widespread disappointment across the nation, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a formal and sincere apology to President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Government, and millions of passionate Nigerian football fans. The Federation described the failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a "deep national setback" and a "moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football," especially given that the Super Eagles serve as a "symbol of unity, hope, and collective pride."

The NFF acknowledged the legitimate expectations of Nigerians and admitted that the collective effort from the NFF, the technical crew, and the players "did not deliver the outcome this nation deserved." The Federation noted the palpable pain among the players in the dressing room post-match, where many struggled to speak. They also expressed gratitude for the enormous support received from the Federal Government and the unmatched devotion of the fans throughout the campaign, emphasizing football's role as a unifying national language in Nigeria.

Looking ahead, the NFF has announced that its immediate attention will shift to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, viewing it as an "opportunity for healing, for renewal, and for demonstrating the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football." The Federation committed to initiating a full internal review to assess the technical, administrative, and structural shortcomings that contributed to this outcome. The NFF concluded its message with a solemn promise to rebuild trust, restore pride, and reclaim Nigeria's standing on the global stage, asserting that this disappointment will not be the final word on Nigerian football and that the Super Eagles, like the resilient Nigerian people, will rise from this challenge.