Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an end after a dramatic 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in their qualifying play-off in Rabat.

After a tense 1–1 draw across 120 minutes, the Super Eagles were unable to find extra-time magic and the match went to penalties.

Penalty Shootout Summary

Nigeria (3): ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌

DR Congo (4): ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅

Nigeria – Scored: Adams, Onyemaechi, Ejuke

Nigeria – Missed/Saved: Bassey, Simon, Ajayi

DR Congo – Scored: Sadiki, Mayele, Balikwisha, Mbemba

DR Congo – Missed/Saved: Moutoussamy, Tuanzebe

With the victory, DR Congo advance to the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March 2026, keeping their World Cup hopes alive — while Nigeria miss out for the second consecutive edition.