Nigeria’s dream of returning to the FIFA World Cup has slipped away once again, and the pain is cutting even deeper this time. On a tense Sunday night at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, the Super Eagles fell 4-3 on penalties to a resilient DR Congo side in the CAF playoff final, marking their second straight failure to qualify for the global showpiece.

A Start That Promised So Much

The evening began with optimism for millions of Nigerian fans. Barely three minutes into the match, Frank Onyeka sparked hope with an early strike that took a heavy deflection off Axel Tuanzebe. The goalkeeper could only watch helplessly as the ball trickled into the net.

The Super Eagles pressed high, moved the ball confidently, and spent the early spells dictating the pace. DR Congo simply could not progress through the midfield, struggling to settle under Nigeria’s intensity.

A Costly Slip And A Sudden Shift

But football can be unforgiving. Just after the half-hour mark, a moment of hesitation from Alex Iwobi opened the door for DR Congo. Cedric Bakambu pounced, driving forward before threading a pass to Mechak Elia, who capitalised on a loose touch from Wilfred Ndidi to level the score.

In that instant, the momentum shifted. Nigeria, once in full control, suddenly found themselves absorbing pressure as the Leopards grew braver and more expressive in attack.

Nervous Energy And Missed Chances

The second half thickened with nerves. DR Congo looked the more purposeful team early on, while Nigeria drifted into defensive mode.

There were no clear-cut chances for long stretches, though the Super Eagles had hearts in mouths when Stanley Nwabali misplaced a pass inside his own area. DR Congo intercepted but failed to punish the error.

By the 80th minute, both sides seemed to be playing with caution swirling around them. It felt like the match was destined to be decided by a moment of chaos or brilliance.

High Drama In Extra Time

Extra time belonged to DR Congo. Their legs looked fresher, their ambition sharper, and in the 109th minute, they believed they had finally taken the lead. A loose ball directed goalwards appeared to cross the line before Nwabali gathered it.

The Leopards appealed passionately, gesturing at the referee, but the decision stood. Nigeria exhaled, but the warning signs were everywhere.

The Penalty Shootout No One Wanted

When the final whistle blew after 120 exhausting minutes, the dreaded shootout followed. Extra-time substitute Timothy Fayulu emerged as DR Congo’s hero, denying Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi with two decisive saves.

Nigeria converted three penalties. DR Congo scored four. And with that, the Super Eagles were out.

A Painful Repeat Of History

For a country with six World Cup appearances and a rich footballing heritage, missing the tournament for the second cycle in a row will feel like a national wound. Questions will be asked about coaching, squad depth, and moments of individual error. But for now, the hurt lingers.

DR Congo, meanwhile, move on to the Inter-confederation Playoffs, carrying the hopes of a nation whose belief has only grown stronger. Nigeria will have to rebuild again.And the road to redemption starts now.

Source: SuperSport
Featured Image Source: Pulse Sports NG on X

Read more: DR Congo ends Nigeria’s World Cup hopes in penalty shootout
For more tactical analysis, predictions and more visit: africapicks