Nigeria Eliminated from World Cup Contention Following Penalty Shootout Loss to DR Congo

Nigeria Eliminated from World Cup Contention After Penalty Shootout Loss to DR Congo

The last time DR Congo took part in the World Cup final tournament was in 1974, when the nation was known as Zaire.

DR Congo moved one step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Nigeria 4–3 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw that went into extra time in the African playoff final.

The Leopards’ captain, Chancel Mbemba, scored the winning penalty after Timothy Fayulu saved a shot from Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi during the sixth round of the shootout.

This victory sends the Central African side into a final intercontinental qualifier set for March.

For Nigeria, the defeat ends their World Cup hopes for a second straight cycle after another disappointing performance in neutral Rabat.

Nigeria took an early lead with a deflected shot from Frank Onyeka in the third minute. However, Meschack Elia quickly brought DR Congo level just before the half-hour mark.

After the key halftime substitution of star striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s attacking rhythm dropped. DR Congo then controlled most of the play and pushed hard for a winning goal.

During extra time, Mbemba nearly decided the match with a powerful header, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a fine save to push the ball away.

The penalty shootout was played in heavy rain. Mbemba, who had scored the late winner in the previous playoff match against Cameroon, sealed the result by sending his final shot high into the net.

The Congolese players ran across the pitch in celebration with their fans, who still dream of seeing their team return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.