The Super Eagles of Nigeria will not participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a heartbreaking defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African playoffs final. This unfortunate outcome marks a historic moment for Nigerian football, as it is the first time since the nation’s World Cup debut in 1994 that Nigeria has failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups, having also missed the 2022 tournament.

The decisive match, a tightly-contested African play-offs final, took place on Sunday, November 16, at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. DR Congo ultimately emerged victorious with a 4-3 win on penalties after the game ended in a 1-1 draw following both regular and extra time.

Nigeria started the game with promising momentum, taking an early lead in the 3rd minute of the first half. Midfielder Frank Onyeka scored with a long-range shot that deflected off a Congolese defender into the net. However, DR Congo quickly responded, equalizing in the 32nd minute through Mechak Elia, who capitalized on a fast counterattack and finished past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali after Alex Iwobi was dispossessed, pegging Nigeria back.

The second half saw a downturn for the Super Eagles. A critical moment occurred when star striker Victor Osimhen was forced off due to a knock and replaced by Adams Akor. This substitution appeared to deflate Nigeria, as the team's coherence collapsed and their midfield was subsequently overrun by the Congolese. Alex Iwobi looked unsure in his role, while Wilfred Ndidi seemed bereft of ideas. Even tactical changes, such as bringing in Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke for Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman to provide more width and speed, only highlighted Nigeria’s overreliance on Osimhen. The introduction of Tolu Arokodare also had minimal impact in the final third, leaving Nigeria struggling to create clear chances despite DR Congo’s persistent attacks.

Despite the overwhelming pressure, the spirited defensive performances of Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick were instrumental in preventing the Congolese from scoring further, ensuring the match went to a penalty shootout after 120 minutes. In what was described as a frustrating display of poor penalties, DR Congo came out on top. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali bravely saved two penalty kicks, but his efforts were ultimately insufficient to overcome misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi. Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty, sending the Leopards into the next stage.

With this crucial victory, the Leopards of DR Congo secured Africa’s sole ticket for the intercontinental play-offs. They will now proceed to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, scheduled from March 23 to 31, 2026, which will decide the final two sides for the World Cup. In their path to the final, Nigeria had previously defeated Gabon 4-1, while DR Congo had beaten Cameroon 1-0. The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the upcoming 2025 AFCON in Morocco as they look to rebound from this setback.