The Democratic Republic of Congo stunned the Super Eagles of Nigeria to advance to the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after winning 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria struck early through Frank Onyeka, who fired home in the third minute after a defensive clearance fell kindly to him at the edge of the box. DR Congo levelled in the 32nd minute when Cedric Bakambu capitalised on a turnover and set up Meschack Elia to slot past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Both sides created chances in a cagey second half. DR Congo had a strong penalty appeal waved away when Noah Sadiki went down under Benjamin Fredrick’s challenge, while Nwabali kept Nigeria in the game with key saves, including a sharp stop from Bakambu’s clever back-heel effort at a corner.
Nigeria, visibly fatigued after needing extra time to defeat Gabon in Thursday’s semifinal, struggled to match DR Congo’s intensity. The Congolese — who had beaten Cameroon inside 90 minutes in their own semifinal — pressed for a winner but could not break through.
Extra time produced opportunities at both ends before the match went to penalties. Substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, introduced moments before the shootout, saved twice to swing the contest in DR Congo’s favour. Captain Chancel Mbemba buried the decisive kick to seal a famous win.
The victory keeps DR Congo’s dream alive of reaching their first World Cup since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. They now await Thursday’s draw for the six-team inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March, where two tickets to the expanded 48-team World Cup will be up for grabs.
Nine African teams — Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Tunisia — have already qualified directly. Bolivia (South America) and New Caledonia (Oceania) are confirmed for the inter-confederation playoff field, with additional entrants to be determined from Asia and the CONCACAF region.
