The Super Eagles of Nigeria will not feature at the
2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico after suffering a
heartbreaking defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African World
Cup Qualifying Play-offs Final.
The decisive match, played on Sunday, November 16, at
the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with
DR Congo eventually winning 4-3 on penalties to advance to the intercontinental
play-offs scheduled for March 2025.
Nigeria got off to a bright start when midfielder Frank
Onyeka fired home in the early stages of the first half. But the Congolese
side responded strongly, with Mechak Elia leveling the score in the 32nd
minute. Both sides battled fiercely through the remaining minutes of regulation
and extra time, but neither could find a winner.
In the ensuing shootout, the Leopards of DR Congo held
their nerve, converting four of their penalties to Nigeria’s three, thereby
sealing Africa’s lone spot in the intercontinental play-off round.
Nigeria had earlier beaten Gabon 4-1 to reach the
final stage, while DR Congo edged Cameroon with a narrow 1-0 victory.
With their World Cup hopes now over, the Super Eagles
will shift focus to preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations,
scheduled to take place in Morocco next month.
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