DR Congo End Nigeria 2026 World Cup Dream

Nigeria dream to reach di 2026 World Cup for USA, Canada and Mexico scatter on Sunday after dem lose 4-3 for penalty shootout against DR Congo for di African play-off final wey happen for Rabat, Morocco. Both countries bin dey find one spot for di inter-continental play-off after dem qualify as di best second-placed teams. Eric Chelle make two changes from di team wey beat Gabon, as im drop Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel for Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka. Onyeka join Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi for midfield, while Ajayi enter defence as Benjamin Fredrick shift go right back. Onyeka repay Chelle trust as im score Nigeria first goal for di third minute after DR Congo defence fail to clear Zaidu Sanusi cross. But as Super Eagles miss two half-chances to increase dia lead, DR Congo no gree back down as Meschack Elia equalise for 32nd minute after Cedric Bakambu release am with better pass. Second half start with surprise as Chelle remove Osimhen, maybe injury put Adams, and Nwabali deny Bakambu for near post. Simon and Ejuke enter for Lookman and Chukwueze but di changes no fit stop di Leopards. Nwabali almost give DR Congo goal for 83rd minute before offside flag save am.

Extra time come hard for Nigeria as dem don already struggle against Gabon three days earlier. DR Congo score twice for extra time but both goals cancel because of fouls Fiston Mayele foul Nwabali for 95th minute, and Noah Sadiki dangerous play on Onyemachi spoil di second one for 110th minute. Still, DR Congo almost score before penalties, but Nwabali use strong hand keep out Chancel Mbemba header. For penalty shootout, Nwabali save two kicks after Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon miss Nigeria first two, as Adams, Ejuke and Onyemaechi score to keep am 3-3. But Timothy Fayulu save Semi Ajayi sixth kick, and captain Mbemba blast di winning penalty wey end Nigeria hope to reach di inter-continental play-off. Di final play-off tournament with six teams one each from AFC, CAF (wey DR Congo don collect), CONMEBOL, OFC and two from CONCACAF go happen for Mexico by March 2026 to decide di last two World Cup slots. Bolivia and New Caledonia don join DR Congo, while teams from CONCACAF and AFC go complete di lineup.