LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the world’s biggest football stage were dashed on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after the Super Eagles fell to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a tense penalty shootout during the African playoffs final, confirming their absence from the 2026 World Cup.
The match, which ended 1–1 after extra time, saw DR Congo triumph in the shootout, with Chancel Mbemba scoring the decisive spot-kick to send the Leopards into the intercontinental playoffs.
Despite goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s heroics — saving two penalties — the Eagles could not recover from misses by Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi.
The loss means Nigeria will miss back-to-back World Cups, having also failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.
It is the first time the country has missed two consecutive tournaments since making its World Cup debut in 1994.
Nigeria began brightly, taking the lead in the third minute.
Frank Onyeka, restored to the starting line-up, unleashed a long-range effort that deflected off a Congolese defender and looped into the net.
But DR Congo struck back in the 32nd minute through Mechak Elia, who finished off a swift counterattack after Alex Iwobi was dispossessed in midfield.
Momentum shifted dramatically after halftime.
Victor Osimhen, the focal point of Nigeria’s attack, was forced off with an injury and replaced by Adams Akor.
Without Osimhen’s presence and link-up play, Nigeria’s shape unravelled.
DR Congo began to dominate midfield exchanges, repeatedly advancing in waves that unsettled the Eagles.
Iwobi struggled for composure.
Wilfred Ndidi found little rhythm.
Onyeka’s early energy faded as the Congolese took control of the tempo.
Nigeria’s attempts to respond through substitutions — including the introduction of Simon and Chidera Ejuke for Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman — only highlighted the side’s dependence on Osimhen.
In defence, Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick delivered determined performances, repeatedly blocking Congolese advances and keeping the match level through extra time.
But the respite proved temporary.
The shootout — a source of historical unpredictability for the Eagles — once again proved costly. Nigeria’s finishing was erratic, while the Congolese displayed greater composure.
