Nigeria’s bid to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in disappointment on 16 November 2025, when the Super Eagles were knocked out in the CAF playoff final against DR Congo.
The two teams played a tense 1‑1 draw after regulation and extra time, with Frank Onyeka giving Nigeria an early lead in the third minute, only for Meschack Elia to equalise just before half‑time. Neither side could break the deadlock in the second half or the additional 30 minutes, sending the match to a penalty shoot‑out.
In the shoot‑out, Nigeria’s first two takers Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon failed to score, while DR Congo’s goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, brought on specifically for the spot‑kicks, saved two attempts.
Chancel Mbemba’s calm conversion proved decisive, giving the Congolese a 4‑3 victory and a place in the inter‑confederation playoffs alongside Bolivia and New Caledonia.
The loss marks Nigeria’s second consecutive World Cup failure, the first time the nation has missed back‑to‑back tournaments since its debut in 1994.
The result has sparked fresh debate over the team’s direction, coaching choices and long‑term planning, leaving fans hoping that the next four years will bring a renewed squad capable of returning to the global stage.
