By Oluwatoyin Makinde
Nigeria have failed to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup after losing to DR Congo on penalties in the African playoffs final on Sunday.
The Super Eagles, who also missed the 2022 edition in Qatar, were edged out despite goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saving two penalties in the tense shootout. Misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi, however, proved costly as Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive kick to send the Leopards into the intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria had made a bright start when Frank Onyeka fired home in the 3rd minute, with his long-range effort deflecting off a Congolese defender into the net. But the early momentum faded as DR Congo grew into the game and equalised in the 32nd minute through Mechak Elia, who finished off a swift counterattack after Alex Iwobi lost possession.
The balance of the match shifted further against Nigeria when Victor Osimhen was forced off injured shortly after halftime and replaced by Adams Akor. From that point, the midfield struggled, with the Congolese overrunning the Eagles and dictating the tempo. Iwobi appeared unsettled, while Wilfred Ndidi lacked inspiration in the centre of the pitch.
Attempts by coach Eric Chelle to inject urgency through substitutions — introducing Simon and Chidera Ejuke for Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman — did little to improve the attack. Tolu Arokodare’s entry also failed to spark any significant threat.
Despite the pressure, strong defensive displays from Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick ensured Nigeria held on until extra time and eventually to penalties.
However, a poor showing in the shootout sealed Nigeria’s fate and handed DR Congo a historic qualification opportunity.
This marks the first time since Nigeria’s World Cup debut in 1994 that the country will miss two consecutive tournaments — a development likely to intensify scrutiny of the team’s technical direction and long-term planning.
