2026 WCQ playoff final: Five observations from Super Eagles' penalty shootout loss to Leopards

The Super Eagles' bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has ended after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Frank Onyeka put Nigeria ahead, but Meschak Elia struck back for the Leopards to level the score.

With no winner after 120 minutes, DR Congo held their nerve in the shootout to clinch the decisive victory.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the match

Chelle makes two changes

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, made two adjustments to the side that cruised to a 4–1 win over Gabon on Thursday night.

Chelle opted to drop Sevilla forward Akor Adams, bringing in Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka to reinforce the midfield battle.

He also restored Semi Ajayi to the starting lineup to provide more aerial presence in defence, replacing Birmingham City full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Osimhen forced off with injury at halftime

Nigeria suffered a major setback when talismanic striker Victor Osimhen picked up a suspected injury shortly before halftime.

The Galatasaray forward, who started the match brightly, did not return for the second half and was replaced by Akor Adams.

His absence limited Nigeria’s attacking threat as the game progressed.

Sloppy Super Eagles struggle to impress

It was a disappointing outing for the Super Eagles, who failed to meet expectations for large spells of the encounter.

DR Congo dominated possession, pressed effectively, and created the clearer chances, leaving Nigeria chasing the rhythm throughout the match.

Nigeria's defensive shape looked shaky at times, while transitions in midfield were slow, allowing the Leopards to dictate the tempo.

Missed passes, poor pressing coordination, and lack of decisiveness in the final third summed up a disjointed display from the Eagles.

Huge DR Congo support at the stadium

The Leopards enjoyed massive support at the Moulay Hassan Stadium, with a sea of DR Congo fans filling the stands.

The vibrant Congolese supporters created a charged atmosphere, rallying behind their team from start to finish and pushing them through difficult moments of the match.

Their energy became even more intense during extra time and the penalty shootout, giving the Leopards a psychological edge.

Fayulu’s heroics in penalty shootout

DR Congo coach made a decisive late gamble by introducing goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu in the final moments of extra time specifically for the penalty shootout.

Fayulu replaced Lionel Mpasi, who had been in goal from kickoff, and the decision proved to be a masterstroke.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper saved two Nigerian penalties, producing a heroic performance that sealed DR Congo’s victory and ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying.

Adeyemi Adewale

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