The hopes of an entire nation were dashed on Sunday night as Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo, ending their dreams of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Dramatic Playoff Final Ends in Heartbreak
In a tense encounter at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on November 16, Nigeria took an early lead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute. The Brentford midfielder saw his deflected effort find the back of the net, giving the three-time AFCON champions a perfect start.
Despite creating several early opportunities, the Super Eagles failed to extend their advantage. They were punished in the 32nd minute when Meschack Elia equalized for DR Congo after Alex Iwobi lost possession in midfield, according to Al Jazeera's match report.
The situation worsened for Nigeria when star striker Victor Osimhen suffered an injury and was replaced by Sevilla's Akor Adams. Osimhen's absence shifted momentum in favor of the Leopards, who controlled the second half and created more threatening opportunities.
Late Drama and Penalty Shootout Agony
The match saw dramatic late moments that could have changed the outcome. In the 110th minute, Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki thought he had scored, but his goal was ruled out after VAR confirmed a foul in the build-up.
DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba nearly won the game in the 120th minute with a powerful header, but Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a brilliant save to force the match into penalties.
During the shootout, Semi Ajayi missed his spot-kick, while Mbemba converted the decisive penalty to give DR Congo a 4-3 victory, sending them through to the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March next year, as reported by NY Times.
Nigerian Fans Call for Major Changes
The defeat has sparked outrage among Nigerian football fans, with many calling for several senior players to retire from international duty.
Prominent social media commentator Japheth Omojuwa expressed the frustration of many Nigerians, stating that some players have repeatedly proven they cannot perform at the required level.
"I don't want to call specific names but at this point we must know that some players should never play for Nigeria again," Omojuwa wrote on X. "They have proven, over and again, that they just can't cut it at this level. Pay them whatever they are owed and wish them the best for the future."
Legit.ng compiled reactions from fans who specifically named players they believe should step aside:
- @Dotun88 mentioned: "Ndidi and Chukwueze suppose retire. Iwobi don wear the jersey for 10yrs, time to retire."
- @Lexycabana wrote: "Iwobi who caused the goal... People like Nwabali, Zaidu, Simon, Chukwueze, Ndidi, Ajayi, Should not be anywhere near that team."
- @Sadeeq_jeeboh added: "Ndidi, Ajayi, Zaidu, Onyeka, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Lookman, Ekong, Simon and Tolu they don't deserved to be playing for Nigeria."
The result means Nigeria will miss their second consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance, following their failure to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
