DR Congo booked their place in the intercontinental play-off for the 2026 World Cup after defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Morocco.
Captain Chancel Mbemba held his nerve to convert the decisive spot-kick after a dramatic shootout, condemning Nigeria to a second consecutive World Cup absence.
The Super Eagles had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka’s third-minute strike, but Meschack Elia’s equaliser seven minutes before half-time ensured the match would go the distance.
After a goalless extra-time period, the contest was decided from 12 yards, where Nigeria’s vulnerabilities were brutally exposed.
Calvin Bassey blazed the opening penalty over the crossbar, setting the tone for a torrid evening for the three-time African champions. Moses Simon also missed for Nigeria, whilst DR Congo’s Samuel Moutoussamy and Axel Tuanzebe failed to convert their efforts.
With the score at 3-3, Semi Ajayi’s penalty was saved by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, leaving Mbemba to seal a famous victory for the Leopards.
The result means DR Congo will advance to the intercontinental play-off in March 2026 in Mexico, where they will join five other nations – including Bolivia, New Caledonia, Iraq, Jamaica and Panama – competing for the final two places at the expanded 48-team tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For Nigeria, the defeat represents another significant setback for a nation with such rich footballing pedigree. Despite boasting talent including Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, the Super Eagles have now failed to qualify for consecutive World Cups for the first time since 1978 and 1982.
For the Leopards, this represents a remarkable opportunity to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire and became the first sub-Saharan African nation to grace football’s greatest stage. That historic appearance in West Germany ended without a point or a goal, but it marked a watershed moment for African football.
Fifty years on, they now find themselves in the intercontinental play-off, where they could face between one and two knockout matches to secure their place at the tournament, depending on their FIFA ranking amongst the six participating nations.
Match facts
- DR Congo win 4-3 on penalties (1-1 after extra time)
- Nigeria: Onyeka 3′
- DR Congo: Elia 32′
- Attendance: 42,187
- Referee: Bakary Gassama (Gambia)
