The Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after slipping into the inter-confederation playoff route, following their inability to secure an automatic ticket from the group stage.
Hopes were briefly rekindled when the team secured an emphatic 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in the semifinal of the playoffs, a result that set up a decisive final clash with DR Congo, who had earlier stunned Cameroon in a tense showdown.
Nigeria struck first in the final, taking an early lead. However, DR Congo restored parity before halftime. Both teams pushed relentlessly for a winner, but the fiercely contested match dragged into extra time and remained locked at 1–1 after 120 minutes of football.
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The heartbreak came during the penalty shootout, where the Super Eagles fell short, losing 3–4 to DR Congo—bringing an abrupt and painful end to Nigeria’s dream of featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
