The Nigerian football community was left reeling on Sunday night as the Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat against DR Congo, crushing their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 4-3 penalty loss following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Rabat marks the second consecutive World Cup that Nigeria will miss.
Heartbreak in Rabat as Super Eagles Fall Short
At the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, the Super Eagles dominated significant portions of the match but failed to convert their opportunities into decisive goals. After 120 exhausting minutes of football that ended 1-1, the match progressed to penalties where DR Congo maintained their composure to secure victory.
The penalty defeat represents another disappointing chapter in Nigeria's turbulent World Cup qualification campaign. Having also missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, this marks the first time in the nation's football history that the Super Eagles will miss back-to-back World Cup tournaments.
Libyan FA Adds Insult to Injury
While Nigerian fans were still processing the devastating loss, the Libyan Football Association delivered what many interpreted as a calculated dig at their West African rivals. Through their official social media account, the Libyan FA posted a congratulatory message to DR Congo that appeared harmless on the surface but carried deeper meaning for those familiar with the recent history between Nigeria and Libyan football authorities.
"Congratulations to @FecofaRdc for the well deserved win," the Libyan FA wrote, accompanied by applause emojis and flags. The post specifically highlighted DR Congo's qualification for the final playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, indirectly emphasizing Nigeria's failure to advance.
The Airport Saga That Fueled the Rivalry
The tension between Nigerian and Libyan football authorities traces back to a controversial incident in 2024 during AFCON qualifiers. The Super Eagles were left stranded for over 24 hours at Al Abraq Airport after being diverted from their intended destination of Benghazi.
Players reported being stuck without adequate food or water, prompting Nigeria to boycott their scheduled AFCON qualifying match. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) later intervened in the dispute, ruling in Nigeria's favor and awarding them the three points from the match. Libyan football authorities were fined $50,000 for the airport debacle, creating lingering resentment between the two football associations.
In the aftermath of the World Cup qualification failure, the Nigeria Football Federation has issued an official statement and extended a personal apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The NFF leadership acknowledged the disappointment felt across the nation and pledged to review the team's performance and preparation for future tournaments.
The social media post from the Libyan FA has sparked widespread reaction among Nigerian football fans, with many viewing it as deliberate payback for the 2024 airport incident and subsequent CAF ruling. The exchange highlights the growing rivalries within African football that extend beyond the pitch into diplomatic and social media spheres.
