The Super Eagles has lost a chance to play at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the US, and Mexico!
This was after Nigeria lost in penalties to DR Congo in a tightly-contested African play-offs final on Sunday.
The game ended 1-1 after normal and extra time, however, during penalties, the Leopards of DR Congo overpowered the Super Eagles 3-4 to pick Africa’s sole ticket for the intercontinental play-offs billed for March next year.
Nigeria had taken the lead, just three minutes into the final game in Rabat, Morocco.
Midfielder Frank Onyeka struck just within minutes of the game to give Nigeria the advantage but it did not take long before the Central Africans got things levelled with Mechak Elia equalizing in the 32nd minute
When it got to penalties, Stanley Nwabali saved two, however, as it entered sudden death, defender Semi Ajayi’s effort was saved before Chancel Mbemba scored the winning spot-kick to pick DR Congo’s ticket to the intercontinental play-offs.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the 2025 AFCON, billed for Morocco next month.
News edited by Favour Owonibi