Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dramatically dashed today as the Super Eagles fell 4-3 to DR Congo in a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in the CAF playoff final in Rabat.
The victory sends DR Congo through to the inter-confederation playoffs, while Nigeria faces the bitter disappointment of missing out on the global tournament.
▌Early Lead Fades
The Super Eagles started the match with blistering pace, taking the lead in just the third minute through a strike from midfielder Frank Onyeka. However, the advantage was short-lived, as Meschack Elia found the equalizer for DR Congo before the halftime whistle.
The match took a critical turn for Nigeria when star striker Victor Osimhen was forced off the pitch due to an injury sustained in the first half. Osimhen’s absence significantly weakened the Super Eagles’ attacking threat, forcing the team to rely heavily on defense for the remainder of the match and through extra time.
After 120 minutes of grueling football failed to separate the two sides, the final was decided by penalties.
▌Mbemba Delivers Decisive Blow
In the nerve-wracking shootout, DR Congo held their composure. Captain Chancel Mbemba stepped up to score the decisive penalty, securing the 4-3 victory for the Leopards and sparking wild celebrations among the Congolese contingent.
The result is a devastating blow for the Super Eagles, who had fought hard to reach the final playoff round.
▌’Super Chickens’ Trend Amid Disappointment
The immediate reaction from Nigerian fans online was a mix of profound disappointment and characteristic humor. Within minutes of the final whistle, social media platform X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with memes, with the term “Super Chickens” trending as fans processed the painful exit.
Despite the lighthearted response online, the defeat marks a significant setback for Nigerian football, forcing the team to watch from the sidelines as DR Congo continues its journey toward the 2026 World Cup.
Read also: Super Eagles Advance to World Cup Playoff Final with 4-1 Extra-Time Win Over Gabon
