Amid financial disputes, unfulfilled promises, and coaching turmoil, Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup, leading to nationwide disappointment and recriminations.
According to a report from The New York Times, Nigeria’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in heartbreak after a 4–3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in Rabat.
The African playoff final had been locked at 1–1 after 120 minutes, and Nigeria’s hopes unravelled in the tense spot-kick decider.
The Super Eagles had struck first, with Frank Onyeka putting them ahead in the third minute. But DR Congo answered in the 32nd when Meschak Elia capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize, swinging momentum in the Leopards’ favour.
During extra time, Nigeria saw their attacking spark fade after star forward Victor Osimhen was forced off due to injury.
In sudden-death penalties, semi Ajayi’s shot was saved by DR Congo’s substitute goalkeeper, Timothy Fayulu, and Chancel Mbemba calmly converted the decisive kick to seal the victory. The defeat means Nigeria will miss consecutive World Cups, having also failed to qualify for the 2022 tournament.
The New York Times notes this marks a painful moment in Nigerian football, raising questions about what went wrong for a team once considered among Africa’s elite.
Beyond the pitch drama, the match also sparked controversy. Nigeria’s coach, Éric Chelle, claimed there was “voodoo” from a member of the DR Congo coaching staff during the shootout. .
He described “repeated signals” and gestures during VAR reviews, alleging the individual waved as though sprinkling a liquid — claims denounced by the opposing team.
The New York Times reports that despite the allegations, DR Congo’s leadership denied any such practices.
The loss deepens a sense of crisis within the Super Eagles’ camp, as fans, pundits, and the federation now confront the reality of another World Cup absence — and the pressing need for reckoning and reform in Nigerian football.