Nigeria's Super Eagles on Sunday crash out of the race for a place at the 2026 World Cup jointly holding in three North America countries, Canada, USA and Mexico
The resilient Leopard of DR Congo eventually pick Africa's sole ticket for the FIFA intercontinental play off billed for next year March, after over powering the Nigerian side 4-3 via penalties
The tightly-contested African play-offs final held in Morocco had ended in 1-1 after normal and extra time.
Nigeria had taken the lead, just three minutes into the final game in Rabat, Morocco, when Midfielder Frank Onyeka struck to give Nigeria the advantage.
The Eagles paid dearly for their in ability to convert a golden opportunity to make it two, allowing the Congolese to grow in confidence in the match, dictating the tempo of the game before Mechak Elia equalized in the 32nd minute, pegging Nigeria back.
The first half ended like that, but there were surprises when Victor Osimhen did not return for the next 45 minutes.
Nigeria threw in Akor Adams, who plays for Sevilla; however, his introduction and that later, of Tolu Arokodare, made little or no impact.
Chidera Ejuke and Simon Moses were also introduced to boost Nigeria’s attack, but the Super Eagles were forced to play mostly in their half as the Leopard probed for a winner.
However, Nigeria held on to force the game into extra time. The match remained almost the same, with DR Congo dictating things and could have won, but their goal in extra time was ruled out for a foul on Stanley Nwabali.
The Chippa United goalkeeper made a stoppage-time save in extra time to deny Sebastian Desabre’s men a late winner.
When it got to penalties, 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.
The Super Eagles had defeated Gabon 4-1 to reach this stage, while DR Congo pipped Cameroon.
Nigeria had failed to make appearance in the two consecutive world cup since 2018 in Russia
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the 2025 AFCON, billed for Morocco next month.
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