Stanley Nwabali has taken full responsibility after Nigeria’s Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup following a painful penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoffs final.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali issued a heartfelt apology to the Nigerian populace after the national team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes were extinguished by a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoffs final on Sunday night.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has issued a heartfelt apology to Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a report from Soccernet.ng.
Nigeria’s aspiration to reach the North America-hosted tournament was shattered on Sunday night in Rabat, Morocco, after a dramatic penalty shootout loss against DR Congo in the final of the CAF playoffs.
The match saw Frank Onyeka fire the Super Eagles ahead inside three minutes. However, Congo DR responded strongly, with Meshack Elia restoring balance with an equaliser in the 32nd minute.
Nigeria’s momentum was severely disrupted by an injury to talisman Victor Osimhen, who failed to return for the second half, allowing the Leopards to seize control before the tie was dragged into penalties.
Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United, was a standout performer, producing a commanding display. He denied a bullet header deep into added time of extra time and saved two spot-kicks during the shootout.
Despite his efforts, the Leopards edged Nigeria 4–3 on penalties, ending the country’s hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2018.
Moments after the loss, the goalkeeper took to Instagram to share a poignant message, accepting responsibility on behalf of the squad.
He wrote: “Painful! We all did our best for the badge though our best wasn’t enough. I was once a fan and understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night, we take full responsibility.”
This defeat marks a heavy blow for Nigeria, who had finished second in their qualifying group with 17 points.
The Super Eagles have now missed consecutive World Cup tournaments for the first time in their history, having also failed to reach Qatar 2022.
DR Congo advances to the FIFA six-team intercontinental playoffs in March in Mexico.