DR Congo End Nigeria’s World Cup Dream in Penalty Shootout Thriller
The Democratic Republic of Congo have ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup after winning 4-3 on penalties in a dramatic playoff match.
Nigeria started brightly and took an early lead when a DR Congo defender put the ball into his own net. However, the Congolese side grew stronger and equalised before halftime through Ella.
The match remained tight in the second half and extra time, with neither team able to find a breakthrough. The game then went to a tense penalty shootout, where the Super Eagles missed their final kick. DR Congo kept their composure to score the decisive penalty and claim victory.
The defeat means Nigeria will miss another World Cup, while DR Congo celebrate a historic achievement. They will now represent Africa at the FIFA Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico in March 2026.
