Super Eagles of Nigeria have missed out on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final on Sunday night.
The Super Eagles took an early lead in the early minutes of the first half after Frank Onyeka’s shot was deflected in.
Not too long after, the Leopards of DR of Congo levelled up after Mechak Elia pounced on a defensive error to finish past Stanley Nwabali.
The game ended 1-1 after 90 regular and 30 minutes extra which made the match to be decided on penalty shootout.
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi all missed their kicks as DR Congo clinched the ticket to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoffs.
They will now play in a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be staged from March 23 to 31 in 2026 to decide the final two sides for next year’s World Cup.