Nigeria have been eliminated from 2026 World Cup qualifying after losing on penalties
Nigeria will not play at the 2026 World Cup after they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by DR Congo in a play-off in Rabat.
Nigeria: 3 ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅ ❌
DR Congo: 4 ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅ ✅
It was the second match in this international window that stretched beyond regular time, but unlike their previous outing, there were no extra-time breakthroughs after the game finished 1-1 across 120 minutes.
Nigeria penalties scored: Adams, Onyemaechi, Ejuke; Nigeria penalties missed/saved: Bassey, Simon, Ajayi.
DR Congo penalties scored: Sadiki, Mayele, Balikwisha, Mbemba; DR Congo penalties saved: Moutoussamy, Tuanzebe.
DR Congo have progressed to the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for March 2026.