In a night of sheer footballing agony, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been grounded, their dreams of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup shattered by the Democratic Republic of Congo. The African playoff final, held on Saturday, November 16, 2025, ended in a cruel 4-3 penalty shootout defeat after a grueling 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
A Rollercoaster Match in Mexico
The Super Eagles shot out of the blocks with electrifying pace, taking the lead in just the 3rd minute. Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka saw his effort take a decisive deflection, wrong-footing the Congolese goalkeeper and nestling in the back of the net. Nigeria pressed for a second, with Ademola Lookman blazing down the left wing, but his cross evaded both Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi.
The joy was short-lived. In the 32nd minute, Meschack Elia restored parity for the Leopards, expertly meeting a cross from the right by Cedric Bakambu to make it 1-1.
Osimhen's Injury and a Spirited Fight
Disaster struck for Nigeria immediately after the halftime break. Star striker and team talisman Victor Osimhen was forced off with an injury in the 46th minute, replaced by Sevilla's Akor Adams. The substitution visibly deflated the team's spirit, a point later echoed by devastated fans online.
Adams nearly became an instant hero, almost scoring just two minutes after his introduction, but his effort was cleared by a resolute Congolese defense. The game became a tense, end-to-end affair. Adams then had a heart-in-mouth moment, nearly scoring an own goal from an Arthur Masuaku set-piece, only for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to pull off a crucial save.
Nigeria's appeals for a penalty were waved away in the 59th minute when Lookman was brought down by Noah Sadiki. The match stretched into extra time, where DR Congo thought they had won it in the 109th minute, but Mayele's goal was chalked off for a foul. Nwabali then became a hero again, making a stunning save to deny Chancel Mbemba in the 120th minute, forcing the fateful penalty shootout.
The Agonizing Penalty Shootout Drama
The shootout was a nerve-shredding spectacle of missed opportunities and brilliant saves. Calvin Bassey missed Nigeria's first kick, but Stanley Nwabali immediately saved Samuel Moutoussamy's effort to level the stakes. Moses Simon then saw his spot-kick saved by Congolese keeper Timothy Fayulu.
Akor Adams scored to make it 1-1, but Nwabali saved again from Axel Tuanzebe. Bruno Onyemaechi put Nigeria ahead, only for Fiston Mayele to equalize. When Chidera Ejuke scored, it seemed Nigeria had it won, but Michel-Ange Balikwisha coolly made it 3-3. The final, heartbreaking twist came when Fayulu saved Semi Ajayi's penalty, Nwabali missed his own unexpected attempt, and Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive penalty to send DR Congo to the World Cup.
Fan Reactions and Post-Match Analysis
The loss sent Nigerian football fans into a spiral of disappointment and critique on social media. Many pointed to the tactical decisions and the irreplaceable void left by Osimhen's injury.
@FisayoDairo criticized the substitution strategy, stating: "Chelle using error to correct error. Adams should have started to ease Osimhen’s work... We couldn’t play until he brought Tolu."
@FotoNugget emphasized Osimhen's importance: "It’s clear that Victor Osimhen is the driving force of this team, the team’s spirit dropped from 100 to 30 the moment he was subbed off."
Echoing this sentiment, @biolakazeem added: "Not surprised we have struggled badly and offered absolutely no goalscoring threat since Osimhen came off... We are very much an Osimhen team."
The result marks a catastrophic end to Nigeria's World Cup qualification campaign, leaving the nation to ponder what might have been while DR Congo celebrates a historic victory.
