The Super Eagles will not be part of the party to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the CAF playoff final in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday night.
Nigeria started the game brightly by taking the lead after just three minutes when Frank Onyeka’s shot was deflected in to give Nigeria a perfect start.
The Eagles controlled the first half and dictated the game despite DRC bagging the equaliser. Alex Iwobi lost the ball in the midfield and The Leopards scored from a counter. Wilfred Ndidi who raced into the centre-back position to provide a cover for the defence, placed the ball on a platter for Mechak Elia who equalised in the 32nd minute.
DR Congo extended their bid to reach the 2026 Fifa World Cup by upsetting Nigeria 4-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time in the African play-off final.
Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba netted the crucial spot-kick after Timothy Fayulu had saved from Eagles defender Semi Ajayi in the sixth round of the shootout. Victory sees the Central Africans progress to a final intercontinental qualifier which will be held in March of 2026.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will be missing from a second successive edition of the World Cup after a poor performance in neutral Rabat. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was subbed off at the end of the first half, marking the end of any meaningful attack by Nigeria in the encounter.
