The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) secured a dramatic victory on Sunday, November 16, 2025, to eliminate Nigeria’s Super Eagles from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying path. DR Congo won the African playoff final 4-3 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 following extra time in Rabat, Morocco.
Frank Onyeka initially put Nigeria ahead, but Meschack Elia equalized for the Leopards. The dramatic shootout saw Congolese captain Chancel Mbemba convert the decisive penalty.
DR Congo’s path to the final also saw them defeat Cameroon 1-0 in the semi-finals, meaning they eliminated both West African giants from the competition. DR Congo now advances to the six-team inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico next March, where they will battle for one of the final two spots at the 2026 World Cup.
The defeat means Nigeria, a six-time World Cup participant, will miss out on the global tournament for the second consecutive time. The Super Eagles’ campaign comes to an agonising end despite a spirited performance.
