Nigeria vs DR Congo: Nigeria crashes out of World Cup Qualifiers Losing 4-3 on Penalties to DRC
The Nigerian Super Eagles have crashed out of the World Cup Qualifiers. In the Nigeria vs DR Congo game played today in Rabat, Morocco, the Eagles were sent packing by DR Congo on penalties after a 1:1 score line at the end of 120 minutes of play. Nigeria scored three of their penalty kicks and lost three as well while the DRC lost two and scored four to edge out the Super Eagles and proceed to the intercontinental play-off.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria entered this crucial playoff final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on November 16, 2025, seeking redemption after a disappointing group stage campaign that left them with just three points from four matches. Nigeria, under coach Éric Chelle, had advanced to this stage by defeating Gabon 4-1 in extra time during the semifinals, with star forward Victor Osimhen netting a brace to erase memories of his earlier missed opportunity. For DR Congo, coached by Sébastien Desabre, this represented a chance to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 (as Zaire), following their own semifinal triumph over Mali. The winners would secure Africa’s spot in the inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026, facing off against representatives from other confederations for a final berth in the expanded 48-team tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria boasted a squad rich in Premier League talent, including Osimhen (Napoli), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), while DR Congo relied on experienced defenders like Chancel Mbemba (Marseille) and attacking threats such as Cédric Bakambu (Galatasaray). Kickoff was at 8 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET), with Nigerian fans optimistic despite the high stakes.
Team Lineups
Nigeria (4-4-2)
- GK: Stanley Nwabali
- DEF: Benjamin Fredrick, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Jamilu Collins (wait, Sanusi? – actually Adamu? Wait, from report: Fredrick, Ajayi, Bassey, Sanusi)
- MID: Samuel Chukwueze (Ejuke 57′), Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi (Arokodare 77′), Wilfred Ndidi
- FWD: Victor Osimhen (Adams 46′; Onyemaechi 96′), Ademola Lookman (Simon 57′)
- Coach: Éric Chelle
DR Congo (4-3-3)
- GK: Lionel Mpasi-Nzau (Fayulu 120′)
- DEF: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku
- MID: Gedeon Muaku (Kayembe 71′), Noah Sadiki, Samuel Moutoussamy
- FWD: Mechak Elia (Cipenga 72′), Cédric Bakambu (Mayele 59′), Eli Nzonda Mbuku (Balikwisha 106′)
- Coach: Sébastien Desabre
Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco).
First Half: Nigeria Strike Early, DR Congo Fight Back
Nigeria burst out of the blocks, capitalizing on a swift counter in the 4th minute. A cross from the left evaded clearance, and midfielder Frank Onyeka’s deflected shot off Axel Tuanzebe wrong-footed Mpasi-Nzau, giving the Super Eagles a 1-0 lead. Osimhen terrorized the defense early, nearly doubling the advantage in the 13th minute by charging down the keeper for a corner.
DR Congo absorbed the pressure and grew into the game, with Wan-Bissaka and Mbemba steady at the back. Nigeria pressed for a second around the 26th minute, as Ndidi’s low volley was parried by Mpasi-Nzau. However, a turnover from Iwobi in the 32nd minute proved costly: Bakambu’s pinpoint cross found Mechak Elia unmarked six yards out, who slotted home to level at 1-1. The half ended goalless thereafter, with both sides trading half-chances in a tense affair.
Halftime Score: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Second Half: Stalemate and Fatigue Sets In
The second period was a scrappier affair, with Nigeria appearing leggy after their midweek exertions. Chelle introduced Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon for Chukwueze and Lookman in the 57th minute to inject pace, but the changes yielded little. Osimhen, battling an injury, was withdrawn at halftime for Akor Adams.
DR Congo sensed vulnerability and pushed forward. A 53rd-minute corner led to a scramble that Nwabali smothered, while Fiston Mayele (on for Bakambu in the 59th) tested the keeper with a tight-angle effort in the 83rd minute after a poor back-pass from Nigeria’s defense. Desabre’s substitutions—Theo Kayembe (71′) and Brian Cipenga (72′)—added fresh legs, and a disallowed goal in the 95th minute (Cipenga’s bicycle kick ruled out for foul) summed up DR Congo’s growing dominance. Nigeria managed few threats, with Iwobi replaced by towering substitute Taiwo Arokodare in the 77th minute.
Full Time Score: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo
Extra Time: DR Congo on Top, No Decisive Blow
Thirty minutes of extra time followed, split into two 15-minute halves. DR Congo controlled possession, pinning Nigeria back as the Super Eagles’ energy waned—evident in labored defending and forced substitutions like Bruno Onyemaechi (96′) and José Ángel Awaziem (114′).
Key moments included a 109th-minute header from Noah Sadiki, brilliantly saved by Nwabali, with the rebound cleared amid controversy over a possible foul. In the dying seconds (120+1′), Mbemba’s towering header was clawed away by the diving Nigerian keeper. No goals materialized, forcing a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: DR Congo’s Nerve Holds
The lottery of spot-kicks decided Africa’s fate, with DR Congo emerging 4-3 victors. Desabre’s tactical masterstroke—substituting Timothy Fayulu for Mpasi-Nzau in the 120th minute—paid dividends, as the fresh keeper denied Semi Ajayi in sudden death. Nwabali saved two for Nigeria but couldn’t stem the tide.
| Round | Nigeria Scorer | Result | DR Congo Scorer | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvin Bassey | Miss (wide) | Samuel Moutoussamy | Saved |
| 2 | Moses Simon | Saved | Noah Sadiki | Goal |
| 3 | Akor Adams | Goal | Axel Tuanzebe | Saved |
| 4 | Bruno Onyemaechi | Goal | Fiston Mayele | Goal |
| 5 | Chidera Ejuke | Goal | Michel-Ange Balikwisha | Goal |
| 6 | Semi Ajayi | Saved | Chancel Mbemba | Goal |
Final Result: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo (DR Congo Win 4-3 on Penalties)
Key Performers and Statistics
- Man of the Match: Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo) – Solid defensively and cool under pressure, capping his performance with the decisive penalty.
- Nigeria: Frank Onyeka (goal, early energy); Stanley Nwabali (2 saves in shootout, key stops).
- DR Congo: Mechak Elia (equalizer); Timothy Fayulu (shootout hero with Ajayi save).
- Stats (Approximate): Possession: DR Congo 55%–45%; Shots: 12–9; On Target: 5–4; Corners: 6–4. Nigeria’s early dominance faded, with DR Congo outshooting them 7–3 post-halftime.
Osimhen’s early threat (1 shot on target) was curtailed by injury, limiting his impact to 45 minutes.
Post-Match Reactions and Implications
Heartbreak engulfed Nigerian fans, with widespread criticism aimed at coach Chelle for failing to introduce penalty specialists despite the looming shootout—opting instead for defenders like Ajayi and Bassey, who faltered. Social media buzzed with despair: “The hope, the investment, the happiness—ALL GONE,” lamented one prominent voice, while others questioned the Nigerian Football Federation’s choices. Memes and highlights of the shootout mishaps flooded timelines, underscoring the emotional toll.
For DR Congo, jubilation reigned—this victory propels them to the inter-confederation playoffs, a historic step toward ending a 51-year World Cup drought. Mbemba emerged as the hero, scoring the winner and symbolizing the Leopards’ resilience.
Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup marks another missed opportunity for a nation with three African Cup of Nations titles but only six prior World Cup appearances (last in 2018). Calls for overhaul in coaching and preparation grow louder, with Osimhen’s dream deferred once more. DR Congo, meanwhile, eyes March’s playoffs with unbridled optimism.
