Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup were dashed for the second successive cycle after a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on Sunday night.
The Super Eagles made a blistering start and struck inside three minutes. Pressing aggressively in the final third, Nigeria forced DR Congo deep before Frank Onyeka’s effort—helped significantly by a heavy deflection off Axel Tuanzebe—looped beyond the stranded goalkeeper.
For the opening quarter-hour, Nigeria’s intensity prevented DR Congo from progressing the ball effectively, with the Leopards struggling to create any meaningful threat. By the half-hour mark, the Super Eagles continued to control possession and search for a second goal.
However, a costly turnover shifted the momentum. Alex Iwobi was dispossessed near the halfway line, allowing Cedric Bakambu to surge forward and pick out Mechak Elia. A miscontrol from Wilfred Ndidi inside the box gave Elia the opening, and he calmly levelled the score.
The sides went into halftime at 1-1, but DR Congo emerged from the interval with renewed purpose. The Leopards carried greater attacking intent, while Nigeria’s influence in the opposition half gradually faded as the match progressed.
As the game slowed beyond the hour mark, DR Congo became increasingly dangerous on transitions. Nigeria, meanwhile, retreated deeper, adopting a more defensive posture without producing sustained attacking sequences. Yet, despite the territorial shifts, both goalkeepers remained largely untested as the clock ticked toward the final 10 minutes.
A moment of panic nearly handed DR Congo the lead in the 83rd minute when Stanley Nwabali misplayed a pass inside his own area. The Leopards intercepted but failed to capitalise on the error, letting Nigeria escape unpunished.
With neither side able to alter the 1-1 scoreline in regulation time, the match proceeded into extra time. DR Congo seized control during the additional 30 minutes and appeared to have taken the lead in the 109th minute. After a dangerous move down the left, a loose ball drifted toward goal, prompting Nwabali to scramble back and collect it. The Congolese players were adamant the ball had crossed the line, but the referee dismissed their appeals.
As fatigue set in and tension grew, the contest inevitably moved to a penalty shootout.
DR Congo’s extra-time substitute goalkeeper, Timothy Fayulu, emerged as the decisive figure. He produced crucial saves to deny Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi, securing a 4-3 shootout victory and sending the Leopards into the Inter-Confederation Playoffs.
Nigeria 1 (1): Onyeka (3’) DR Congo 1 (1): Elia (32’) DR Congo win 4–3 on penalties
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Fredrick, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi (Onyemaechi 96’); Chukwueze (Simon 57’), Onyeka, Iwobi (Arokodare 77’ – Awaziem 115’), Ndidi, Lookman (Ejuke 57’); Osimhen (Adams 46’)
DR Congo XI: Mpasi-Nzau (Fayulu 119’); Masuaku, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy; Elia (Cipenga 71’), Sadiki, Mukau (Kayembe 71’); Mbuku (Balikwisha 106’); Bakambu (Mayele 59’)
