Nigeria Eliminated from 2026 World Cup Qualifying After Penalty Shootout Loss to DR Congo
Nigeria will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in Rabat. The Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Penalty Shootout Summary:
- Nigeria: Adams ✅, Onyemaechi ✅, Ejuke ✅, Bassey ❌, Simon ❌, Ajayi ❌
- DR Congo: Sadiki ✅, Mayele ✅, Balikwisha ✅, Mbemba ✅, Moutoussamy ❌, Tuanzebe ❌
Despite twice extending games beyond normal time during this international break, Nigeria could not find extra-time heroics. DR Congo now advance to the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March 2026.
This exit marks another disappointing chapter for the Super Eagles as they aim to rebuild and prepare for future FIFA World Cup qualifiers.