Nigeria’s dream of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico ended on Sunday in an agonising 4-3 penalty shootout defeat against DR Congo in the final of the African play-off in Rabat, Morocco.
Both countries were seeking a spot at the inter-continental play-off after coming through the battle of the best second-placed teams from the qualifying series.
Eric Chelle made two changes to the winning team against Gabon, dropping Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel for Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka. Onyeka formed a midfield trio with Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, while Ajayi’s inclusion into the heart of the defence saw the impressive Benjamin Fredrick move to right back.
Onyeka repaid Chelle’s trust by firing Nigeria ahead in the third minute. He was quick to react to a failed clearance by the DR Congo’s defence from a Zaidu Sanusi’s cross, and his shot took a deflection to beat Lionel Mpasi-Nzau in goal for the Leopards.
As the Super Eagles fumbled two half-chances to double their advantage, DR Congo didn’t back down, finding their way back into the game in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia.
After stealing the ball from the midfield, Elia was set free in the area by Cedric Bakambu, and he made no mistake with a lovely finish into the right side of the net to restore parity.
The second half began with more surprises for Nigeria, as Chelle replaced Osimhen, perhaps due to injury, with Adams.
