Heartbreak in Rabat: Super Eagles Crash Out of 2026 World Cup as DR Congo Triumph in Penalty Thriller
By Tarakirivoice Sports News Desk
Nigeria’s dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a devastating end on Sunday night as the Super Eagles fell 4-2 to DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense 1-1 draw in Rabat.
The night had started with promise for Nigeria. Frank Onyeka stunned the Congolese with a brilliant third-minute strike, giving the Super Eagles the perfect start and sending fans into early celebration. But DR Congo refused to fade. Meschak Elia pounced in the 32nd minute, firing home the equaliser and dragging the contest back into a fierce, end-to-end battle.
Extra time produced waves of nervous excitement as both sides hunted for a winner. Nigeria came agonisingly close on several occasions, but the decisive touch never arrived. Victor Osimhen’s early exit in the second half due to injury proved costly, leaving the team short of attacking sharpness when it mattered most.
Then came the shootout — and with it, heartbreak.
Calvin Bassey missed the opening penalty, immediately putting Nigeria on the back foot. Semi Ajayi’s effort was saved, and Simon’s miss compounded the agony. In contrast, DR Congo held their nerve with clinical precision, slotting home their kicks and sealing a place in the intercontinental playoff.
For Nigeria, it was a night of regret and missed chances. Arokodare and Onyemaechi showed sparks of brilliance, but the Super Eagles struggled to break down a disciplined and determined Congolese defence that refused to buckle under pressure.
As DR Congo marches on with their World Cup hopes still alive, Nigeria is left to confront a painful exit — a campaign that ended not on the pitch of open play, but in the unforgiving silence of penalty kicks.
A nation mourns what might have been.
