AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s World Cup dream is over. The Super Eagles fell to DR Congo in a brutal penalty shootout after a tense playoff battle that left fans stunned and heartbroken.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a heartbreaking end as the Super Eagles were defeated by DR Congo in a dramatic and grueling penalty shootout.
After a tense, hard-fought playoff final in Rabat, the match ended 1-1 in regular and extra time, sending both teams into the nerve-wracking lottery of penalties.
CONGO DR WIN THE CAF PLAYOFF FINAL 🇨🇩
THEY ADVANCE TO THE INTERCONTINENTAL PLAYOFFS IN MARCH WITH THEIR WORLD CUP DREAM STILL ALIVE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/z4o915J1zR
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 16, 2025
Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi all missed their kicks as DR Congo clinched the ticket to represent Africa at the intercontinental playoffs.
They will now play in a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be staged from March 23 to 31 in 2026 to decide the final two sides for next year’s World Cup.
