Nigeria’s hopes of securing Africa’s sole ticket to next year’s intercontinental play-offs were dashed on Sunday after a tense penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo.
The African play-offs final, held in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1–1 after regulation and extra time. In the resulting shootout, the Leopards held their nerve to triumph 4–3, sending the Super Eagles out of contention.
Nigeria had made a bright start, taking the lead just three minutes into the encounter when midfielder Frank Onyeka fired home to give the Eagles an early advantage. The team pushed for a second goal but failed to convert several promising chances.
As the game progressed, DR Congo began to take control of the midfield and gradually settled into the contest. Their pressure paid off in the 32nd minute when Mechak Elia struck to restore parity.
The first half closed with both sides level, but there was an unexpected twist when star striker Victor Osimhen did not return for the second half.
Despite late opportunities from both teams and a tense extra-time period, neither side could find a winner, leading to the dramatic shootout that ultimately sent DR Congo through to the March intercontinental play-offs.
