The Super Eagles of Nigeria won’t be at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the US, and Mexico after losing to DR Congo in the African WCQ Playoffs Final.
DR Congo came back from a goal down to beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in a tightly-contested African play-offs final on Sunday, November 16, at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Midfielder Frank Onyeka found the net early in the first half of the game to give Nigeria the advantage. Few minutes later, Mechak Elia equalized in the 32nd minute, pegging Nigeria back. The game then ended in a 1-1 draw after normal and extra time. But during penalty shootouts, the Leopards of DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4-3 to pick Africa’s sole ticket for the intercontinental play-offs billed for March next year.
The Super Eagles had defeated Gabon 4-1 to reach this stage, while DR Congo thrashed Cameroon 1 – 0.
Nigeria will now turn its attention to the 2025 AFCON, billed for Morocco next month.
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