Nigeria’s hopes of participating in the 2026 World Cup have been dashed after the national team, the Super Eagles, lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final. The decisive match took place on Sunday night, with the Congolese team securing their spot in the upcoming intercontinental playoffs.

The Super Eagles had taken an early lead in the first half, courtesy of a deflected shot by Frank Onyeka. However, the Leopards equalized when Mechak Elia capitalized on a defensive mistake, finishing past Stanley Nwabali. The score remained 1-1 after 120 minutes of play, necessitating a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

The penalty shootout proved to be a disappointing affair for the Nigerian team, with Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi all failing to convert their kicks. In contrast, the Democratic Republic of Congo held their nerve, ultimately clinching the ticket to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs.

The intercontinental playoffs, scheduled to take place from March 23 to 31 in 2026, will feature six teams competing for the final two spots in the World Cup. The Democratic Republic of Congo will join teams from other confederations, including Asia, North and Central America, and Oceania, in the quest for a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup is a significant setback for the West African nation, which has a rich football history and a passionate fan base. The country has participated in the World Cup on several occasions, with their best finish being the round of 16 in 1994 and 2014. The Super Eagles will now have to wait until the next qualifying cycle to attempt to secure a spot in the global showpiece.

The intercontinental playoffs promise to be a thrilling affair, with teams from different regions and confederations vying for a chance to participate in the World Cup. The competition is expected to be fierce, with each team eager to secure one of the remaining spots in the tournament. As the football world looks forward to the 2026 World Cup, the Democratic Republic of Congo will be aiming to make the most of their opportunity and make a lasting impression on the global stage.