Nigeria Crash Out of 2026 World Cup Race After Penalty Shootout Loss to DR Congo

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.