Nigeria's World Cup Dream Ends in Heartbreak as DR Congo Wins on Penalties

DR Congo edges Nigeria 4-3 on penalties, secures World Cup playoff spot

Nigeria's World Cup hopes are dashed as DR Congo wins 4-3 on penalties in the CAF playoff final, securing a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

The match was a tense affair, with opportunities on both ends during extra time...

Nigeria's World Cup dream has ended after losing to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties in the CAF play-off final. The Super Eagles had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka's third-minute goal, but DR Congo equalized in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia.

Despite Victor Osimhen's absence due to injury, Nigeria pushed for a winner, but the match remained 1-1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. DR Congo's goalkeeper, Timothy Fayulu, made two crucial saves, paving the way for captain Chancel Mbemba to score the winning penalty.

DR Congo has now secured a spot in the inter-confederation play-off in March, where six teams will compete for two places at the 48-team World Cup finals.

DR Congo's captain, Chancel Mbemba, scored the winning penalty kick, securing a 4-3 shootout victory over Nigeria. This win came after Congolese substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu made two crucial saves in the shootout, brought on just a minute before the penalties.

Nigeria had initially taken the lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka's goal, but DR Congo equalized in the 32nd minute with Meschack Elia's strike, sending the match into extra time. Despite Nigeria's efforts, the score remained 1-1, leading to the penalty shootout.

The match was part of the African World Cup playoffs, held in Rabat, Morocco, featuring the best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups. The winners of these groups automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA 

Nigeria got off to a perfect start, with Frank Onyeka scoring in the third minute. The Congolese defense had cleared a cross, but only as far as the edge of their penalty area, where Onyeka pounced on the ball and powered it home, helped by a slight deflection off Axel Tuanzebe.

DR Congo had a chance to level the score within nine minutes, but Ngal'ayel Mukau's close-range effort sailed over the crossbar after Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had flapped at the ball.

DR Congo equalized in the 32nd minute, thanks to Meschack Elia's goal. The Congolese had launched a quick counter-attack after Alex Iwobi lost possession in their half, and Cedric Bakambu's square pass set up Elia for the score, despite Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi's efforts to intercept.

The match remained tense, with both teams cautious not to make mistakes. A clever backheel from Bakambu at a corner early in the second half had Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali making a sharp stop. There was also a possible penalty shout for DR Congo in the 55th minute when Noah Sadiki was fouled by Benjamin Fredrick in the box, but the referee didn't award a penalty, and there was no VAR check.

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Nigeria's path to the final was grueling, requiring extra time to edge past Gabon in their Thursday semi-final. They looked visibly more fatigued compared to DR Congo, who dispatched Cameroon 1-0 within the regular 90 minutes in their semi-final later that night.

The match was a tense affair, with opportunities on both ends during extra time. Nigerian substitute Tolu Arokodare had a header go over the bar, while DR Congo's Chancel Mbemba had a shot saved by Nigeria's goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, in the dying moments of the game.

DR Congo has a rich football history, having competed in the 1974 World Cup when the country was still known as Zaire. This marks their return to the global stage after a 52-year absence.