Nigeria defeated by DR Congo to end W/Cup hopes

DR Congo have qualified for the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation play-offs after defeating Nigeria on penalties in the CAF play-off final on Sunday. Nigeria took the lead through Frank Onyeka, whose strike deflected into the net, but DR Congo drew level before halftime after Meschak Elia capitalised on a misplaced pass from Wilfred Ndidi. Both […]

DR Congo have qualified for the 2026 World Cup inter-confederation play-offs after defeating Nigeria on penalties in the CAF play-off final on Sunday.

Nigeria took the lead through Frank Onyeka, whose strike deflected into the net, but DR Congo drew level before halftime after Meschak Elia capitalised on a misplaced pass from Wilfred Ndidi.

Both sides pushed for a winner, but the match remained 1–1 after extra time and proceeded to a penalty shoot-out.

Nigeria fell behind early in the shoot-out as Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their opening attempts. Congo’s Noah Sadiki converted, before Akor Adams scored to keep Nigeria in the contest.

Stanley Nwabali then saved Axel Tuanzebe’s effort to narrow the gap.

Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke scored for the Super Eagles, but Michel-Ange Balikwisha forced sudden-death for DR Congo.

Semi Ajayi’s miss proved decisive, allowing captain Chancel Mbemba—who also scored the winner against Cameroon in the semi-final—to seal Congo’s victory.

The win sends DR Congo into March’s inter-continental play-offs.

Their only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974, when they competed as Zaire.