THE Super Eagles of Nigeria have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup race following a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat, Morocco tonight.
The largely one-sided encounter ended 1-1 after extra-time, and DR Congo held their nerves to win a tense penalty shootout.
This is the first time the Super Eagles will be missing the World Cup back-to-back since their first appearance in 1994, having also failed to qualify for the Qatar 2022 edition.
The Super Eagles started brightly though and took an early lead, with Frank Onyeka’s shot from just outside the DR Congo box deflected off Axel Tuanzebe into the net in the third minute.
The three-time African champions had a huge chance to double their lead in the 24th minute but Samuel Chukwueze and Wilfred Ndidi somehow completely missed a cutback from Ademola Lookman when it was easier to score.
DR Congo were back level seven minutes later as Alex Iwobi was caught in possession.
The Leopards broke from midfield and a Ndidi failed to cut out a low cross as Meshack Elia slammed home past a helpless Stanley Nwabali.
Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen did not come out for the second half after sustaining an injury, replaced by Akor Adams.
DR Congo were totally dominant from the start of the second half and caused the leggy, lethargic Super Eagles all sorts of problems.
Despite several changes made by Eric Chelle, including bringing on Tolu Arokodare, Moses Simon and Chidera Ejuke, the Super Eagles continued to struggle.
DR Congo had all the play and the chances in the second half, leaving the Super Eagles to bypass midfield and launch aimless long balls to nobody.
Nwabali nearly gifted DR Congo the winning goal just before full-time with a loose touch, but he made amends with a fantastic save in the final seconds of extra-time.
The Chippa United goalkeeper saved two of DR Congo’s six penalties but misses by Calvin Bassey, Simon and Semi Ajayi meant the Super Eagles will not be proceeding to the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico next March.