DR Congo Knock Nigeria out of World Cup Qualifiers After Dramatic Shootout Victory

Credit: IMAGO / Shengolpixs

DR Congo ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup after triumphing 4–3 on penalties in a tense African play-off final in Rabat on Sunday night. The tie finished 1–1 after extra time. The Leopards held their nerve in torrential rain to reach next March’s inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico.

Captain Chancel Mbemba converted the winning spot-kick under immense pressure. The victory completed a historic night for DR Congo as they continue their quest for a first World Cup appearance since 1974. The Super Eagles made the perfect start, taking the lead inside three minutes. Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka fired a low effort from distance that took a decisive deflection off Axel Tuanzebe, wrong-footing goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Nigeria pushed for a second. Wilfred Ndidi stung the palms of Mpasi, and the Super Eagles carved out several promising breaks. But their momentum was disrupted late in the first half when star striker Victor Osimhen suffered an injury following an accidental clash with Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Though he briefly continued, Osimhen failed to return for the second half and was replaced by Akor Adams.

🚨🌍 OFFICIAL: After Cameroon, also Nigeria are OUT of the 2026 World Cup after losing vs Congo ❌ pic.twitter.com/ucGFawIV81
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 16, 2025

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DR Congo Respond With Resilience

After a shaky start, DR Congo settled into the contest and grew increasingly dangerous. Their equaliser arrived in the 32nd minute when Cedric Bakambu capitalised on an error from Ndidi inside the six-yard box. Bakambu fed Meschak Elia, who swept home from close range.

Nigeria pressed late in the first half but lacked accuracy, with an Ademola Lookman free-kick sailing harmlessly over. Without Osimhen in the second half, the Super Eagles struggled to maintain possession. Meanwhile, DR Congo controlled much of the play and pushed for a winner.

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A defensive mix-up nearly proved costly in the 83rd minute when substitute Mahmoud Mayele pounced on a poor back pass from Stanley Nwabali but failed to convert. VAR also checked a potential DR Congo penalty for a tangle involving Arthur Masuaku, but no foul was given.

Extra time saw the Leopards continue to dominate. They thought they had taken the lead in the 109th minute when Noah Sadiki slotted home. But the referee ruled the goal out for a foul in the buildup. Nigeria created little in response, aside from a Tolu Arokodare header that drifted over. As fatigue set in, both teams accepted the inevitable: the match would be decided on penalties.

Penalty Shootout Heartbreak for Nigeria

The shootout began with a setback for Nigeria when Calvin Bassey missed the opening penalty. DR Congo substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, brought on in the final minute of extra time solely for the shootout, delivered immediate impact by saving two Nigerian efforts.

Nwabali kept Nigeria alive with saves of his own from Moutoussamy and Tuanzebe, helping the Super Eagles recover through Adams, Onyemaechi and Ejuke. But after the shootout moved to sudden death, Semi Ajayi failed to convert Nigeria’s seventh kick.

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That left the responsibility with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba, who calmly sent Nwabali the wrong way to complete a famous victory.

DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties to qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs in March.

They’ve not been to the World Cup since 1974 🔥🇨🇩 pic.twitter.com/KjtiQyG7VE
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 16, 2025

DR Congo will now advance to the six-team inter-confederation play-off tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey in March, joining Bolivia and New Caledonia. Meanwhile, three more teams will be confirmed later.

2026 FIFA World Cup

DR Congo

Nigeria

World Cup Qualifiers

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.