It is official; Nigeria won’t be at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada. The Super Eagles crashed out of contention to qualify to the tournament after losing on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria drew 1-1 with DR Congo in the CAF final playoff spot for a place in the Inter-continental playoff competition slated for March after regulation time and extra time.
Chancel Memba scored the decisive penalty kick to clinch the win; this was Mbemba’s second late winner in a row after scoring in the 1-0 win over Cameroon in the playoff semifinals.
Speaking after the game, Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong said he was proud of the boys but added that the loss was devastating for the team.
“We’re devastated. As a team, I’m really proud of the boys…always gave everything, it’s not just this game, the games before, the last 10 months”
DR Congo Captain Chancel Memba celebrates 2026 World Cup Playoff Win over Nigeria Photo Courtesy: CAF
“It wasn’t good enough today but there is so much positive to take from here. There’s an AFCON in a month’s time.”
Troost-Ekong Photo Courtesy: CAF
“I think the future of this team is bright…but today is a really tough day and all of us are really feeling it. We want to be at the World Cup but it didn’t work out that way” Troost-Ekong said.
DR Congo players celebrate 2026 World Cup Playoff Win over Nigeria Photo Courtesy: CAF
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