Samuel Chukwueze says Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was down to misfortune rather than a lack of quality, Soccernet.ng reports.
The AC Milan star, currently on loan at Fulham, insists the Super Eagles remain ‘more talented’ than DR Congo despite Sunday’s painful defeat in Rabat.
Nigeria were beaten 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, ending their hopes of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ranked 19 places above the Congolese and widely tipped as favourites, the Super Eagles entered the playoff with a squad stacked with high-level performers, including recent African Footballer of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
But injuries, tactical adjustments and a resilient Congolese display combined to leave Nigeria devastated, and eliminated.
Speaking after the match, Chukwueze said the better team did not win.
“Nigeria is a team made up of top-level players,” he said.
“For tonight, it was a disastrous and hard-to-accept night. We will come back stronger and more mature.
“Regarding the talents, it’s not a question of quality: we have a very talented team, perhaps even more so than that of Congo. But football is cruel: it’s not a question of talent, just a bad day.
“Bravo to our opponent, who was impenetrable across all lines. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a team play like the DRC’s. They accomplished their mission. Congratulations and good luck for the rest. I ask forgiveness from our people.”
Osimhen was forced off at halftime through injury while Lookman lasted only 57 minutes, reducing Nigeria’s attacking thrust just as DR Congo were tightening their defensive grip. Chukwueze himself completed an hour before being replaced.
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Nigeria: Tactical choices, missed chances and a cruel finish
Head coach Eric Chelle opted for a modified 4-4-2 shape, but within that structure the wingers, Lookman and Chukwueze, drifted central to support Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, creating superior numbers in midfield and helping Nigeria initially dominate possession.
The approach, however, left the flanks exposed. Congo exploited the space around young defender Benjamin Fredrick, repeatedly attacking wide channels to stretch the Super Eagles’ back line.
Nigeria began brightly, taking the lead inside three minutes through Frank Onyeka’s deflected shot. The advantage lasted until the 32nd minute, when Meschack Elia reacted sharply to level from close range. From that point, the encounter became a test of resilience, shape and patience.
The second half was defined by lost momentum. Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon entered to replace Chukwueze and Lookman, but the substitutes struggled to provide width or incision.
Nigeria’s attacks became predictable while Congo’s compact structure closed passing lanes and frustrated the Super Eagles’ midfield.
Extra time delivered more tension than genuine chances, and the match drifted towards the lottery of penalties. When Nigeria missed three times, the Leopards seized the moment, sparking wild celebrations as they secured their World Cup spot at Nigeria’s expense.
The defeat ensures that Super Eagles will miss a second consecutive World Cup; their first back-to-back absence since missing the 1986 and 1990 editions.