November 17, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico ended on Sunday following a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African play-off final in Rabat, Morocco.
Both teams had entered the decisive fixture after emerging as the best second-placed sides from the African qualifying series, with the winner expected to advance to the inter-continental play-off.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made two changes to the squad that defeated Gabon in the last qualifying match, opting to drop Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka were drafted into the starting lineup, with Onyeka joining Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in a three-man midfield.
Ajayi’s return to central defence pushed the impressive Benjamin Fredrick to right-back in a reshuffled backline aimed at containing the Congolese attack.
Despite periods of dominance and goal-scoring opportunities for both sides, regulation time and extra time ended goalless, sending the match into a tense penalty shootout. Nigeria missed two of their spot kicks, allowing DR Congo to seal the victory and secure passage to the inter-continental playoffs.
The defeat means the three-time African champions will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive tournament, extending a disappointing run that began with their failure to qualify for Qatar 2022.
