Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has issued an emotional apology to Nigerian football fans following the national team's heartbreaking elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against DR Congo.
Penalty Shootout Drama in Morocco
The crucial African final playoff match took place at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday, November 16, 2025, with both teams desperately fighting for a spot in world football's biggest tournament. Nigeria started brightly when Frank Onyeka scored in the 3rd minute, giving the Super Eagles an early advantage through a deflected effort from the Brentford midfielder.
Despite creating several opportunities to extend their lead, Nigeria failed to capitalize, and DR Congo equalized against the run of play in the 32nd minute. Mechak Elia capitalized on poor defending from Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi to level the scoreline.
Osimhen's Mysterious Substitution
The situation worsened for Nigeria when star striker Victor Osimhen failed to appear for the second half, being replaced by Akor Adams under mysterious circumstances. DR Congo dominated the second period, putting the star-studded Nigerian team under constant pressure, though the score remained 1-1 after 90 minutes.
After thirty additional minutes of extra time failed to produce a winner, the intense encounter proceeded to a penalty shootout to determine which nation would advance to the World Cup.
Nwabali's Heroics Not Enough
Despite Stanley Nwabali saving two penalties during the shootout, denying efforts from Samuel Moutoussamy and Axel Tuanzebe, his teammates couldn't capitalize. Calvin Bassey missed the opening spot-kick, while Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi also failed to convert their attempts as DR Congo emerged 4-3 winners in the shootout.
The Chippa United goalkeeper, who had faced criticism from fans in recent matches but delivered an impressive performance against the Leopards, took to Instagram after the match to express his disappointment.
"Painful! We all did our best for the badge though our best wasn't enough," Nwabali wrote. "I was once a fan and understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night, we take full responsibility."
What's Next for the Super Eagles
According to Sky Sports reports, the Nigerian national team will now turn their attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18. The three-time African champions have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in the preliminary stage.
This represents another major disappointment for Nigerian football after the team finished as runners-up in the last edition of the continental showpiece, losing to hosts Ivory Coast in the final. The failure to qualify for the World Cup continues Nigeria's absence from the global tournament despite the country's wealth of football talent.
