DR Congo delivered one of the biggest shocks of the CAF World Cup qualification cycle, eliminating Nigeria on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw in Rabat. The Leopards outlasted the Super Eagles 4–3 in a dramatic shoot-out to keep their World Cup dream alive and move one step away from only their second-ever appearance at the global finals.
Nigeria struck first after just three minutes when Frank Onyeka’s effort deflected past Timothy Fayulu to settle early nerves. But the advantage didn’t last. Wilfried Ndidi’s miscontrol in midfield gifted Meschak Elia possession, and the Congolese forward made no mistake, slotting home in the 32nd minute to level the tie.
From that moment, DR Congo grew in confidence and controlled large spells of the match. Nigeria had their moments – especially after the introductions of Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke – but neither side landed a knockout blow in extra time, sending the playoff final to the lottery of penalties.
The shoot-out began disastrously for Nigeria as Calvin Bassey fired wide and Moses Simon saw his effort saved, while Noah Sadiki calmly put Congo ahead. Akor Adams converted to steady the Super Eagles, and Stanley Nwabali kept them alive by denying Axel Tuanzebe.
Bruno Onyemaechi and Ejuke both scored for Nigeria, but DR Congo matched them step for step as Fiston Mayele and Michel-Ange Balikwisha held their nerve. At 3–3 in sudden death, Semi Ajayi’s low strike was kept out by Fayulu. Chancel Mbemba – the hero of their semi-final win over Cameroon – stepped up to send DR Congo through with an emphatic finish.
For the Leopards, it is a historic night. Their only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire. As champions of the CAF play-off final, they now advance to March’s inter-continental play-offs, where they will face the likes of Bolivia and New Caledonia for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria, meanwhile, suffer one of their most painful eliminations in recent memory, falling short of the finals for the second consecutive cycle.
Match details
World Cup Qualification CAF Final
Sunday, November 16 – Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat
Nigeria 1–1 DR Congo (AET, DR Congo win 4–3 on penalties)
Goals: Onyeka 3′ – Elia 32′