By Mark Ogagan
Nigeria has failed to make it to the Intercontinental playoffs for next year’s World Cup finals after losing out to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties (1-1 after extra time) at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat on Sunday night.
The Leopards thus qualified for the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for Mexico in March 2026.
Super Eagles were first off the blocks when Frank Onyeka’s deflected shot fired Nigeria into the lead after just three minutes.. But DR Congo restored parity after the half hour mark through Meschack Elia.
Injury to star striker Victor Osimhen after halftime was a huge blow to Nigeria’s attacking line, as the lacked the sharpness needed to finish chances.
The shootout was a mixed bag of emotions as Semi Ajayi missed in sudden death and DR Congo converted.
Akor Adams, Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke converted their kicks for Nigeria, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties.
Defeat means Nigeria missing out of two successive World Cup finals.
The Super Eagles last played at the 2018 finals in Russia.
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