Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo (3-4 pens): Onyeka scores but Super Eagles' World Cup dream is over

Nigeria's route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a damaging hit on Sunday as the Super Eagles were edged out 4–3 on penalties by DR Congo, following a gripping 1-1 draw after extra time in the World Cup qualifying playoff final in Rabat.

The contest began brightly for Nigeria, who struck inside three minutes through Frank Onyeka. 

The midfielder's driven effort took a crucial deflection, leaving goalkeeper Lionel M’Pasi wrong-footed as the Super Eagles made the ideal start. 

Nigeria pressed aggressively, but DR Congo grew into the game with Chancel Mbemba and Aaron Wan-Bissaka probing the defence.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 32nd minute when Mechak Elia punished a defensive lapse, robbing Alex Iwobi before calmly placing his finish beyond Stanley Nwabali. 

The equaliser shifted momentum, though Nigeria still carried threat through Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman heading into the break.

Osimhen’s early second-half withdrawal invited more DR Congo pressure, and Nwabali was forced into several vital saves to keep Nigeria level, including a dramatic goal-line intervention.

The Leopards controlled extra time as fatigue set in, and while they had a goal ruled out for an earlier foul, they continued to push the Super Eagles deep.

With no breakthrough after 120 minutes, penalties determined the outcome — and DR Congo held firm where Nigeria faltered.

The victory sends DR Congo into the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026, keeping their World Cup hopes alive, while Nigeria face a painful setback in their qualification journey.

Wale Adejumo

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