Nigeria eliminated from World Cup qualification after losing on penalties

Nigeria suffered another devastating World Cup setback on Sunday night after losing to the Democratic Republic of Congo in a dramatic qualifying play-off final. 

The Super Eagles, packed with top European talents, were beaten on penalties in Morocco, ending their hopes of reaching the 2026 tournament. 

The defeat means star striker Victor Osimhen, who was substituted at half-time after appearing to struggle with discomfort, will miss the World Cup for the second straight cycle.

Nigeria had entered the play-off with high expectations after beating Gabon in the semi-finals, but the contest quickly unravelled despite a strong start. 

Frank Onyeka put the Super Eagles ahead early on, only for Mechak Elia to level before the break. Osimhen did not return for the second half, and although both sides pushed for a winner, the match remained locked at 1–1 after 90 minutes and through extra time.

The result continues a painful trend for Nigeria, who also missed the 2022 World Cup after losing on away goals to Ghana in their 2021 play-off. 

This latest failure comes with an even heavier sense of disappointment, given the strength of a squad featuring Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze alongside Osimhen.

As tensions mounted late in extra time, DRC made a decisive tactical gamble by introducing substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu specifically for the penalty shoot-out. 

The switch proved inspired. Fayulu saved crucial spot-kicks from Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi, allowing captain Chancel Mbemba to step up and convert the winning penalty to seal Congo’s historic victory.

The win sends DR Congo into the inter-confederation play-offs in March, where they will face teams including New Caledonia, Bolivia and qualifiers from Asia and North America for a final chance to reach the 2026 World Cup. 

It marks a major milestone for the Congolese side, who had already impressed with a semi-final victory over Cameroon to reach the final.

For Nigeria, the fallout will be severe. Missing another World Cup is expected to trigger intense scrutiny of players, coaching decisions and the wider football administration.