Nigeria’s World Cup hopes came to a painful end on Sunday night as the Super Eagles fell 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo after a gruelling 120-minute battle that ended 1–1 in regulation and extra time.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria a bright start with a well-struck deflected effort in the third minute, but the early advantage did not last. DR Congo found their rhythm midway through the first half, and Meschack Elia equalised in the 32nd minute after a slick attacking combination carved the Nigerian defence apart.
Both sides created moments of promise, yet neither managed to take control. Victor Osimhen was forced off at halftime, weakening Nigeria’s attacking presence, while the Congolese attackers repeatedly troubled the backline with pace and movement.
Extra time saw Nigeria struggle physically and technically. Arokodare wasted a huge chance from close range, while Congo had a goal ruled out for a foul. As the deadlock persisted, the tension escalated until referee Jalal Jayed eventually called for penalties to settle the contest.
The shootout swung back and forth. Nigeria’s Akor Adams, Onyemaechi and Ejuke converted confidently, while Nwabali produced an excellent save to keep hope alive. But costly misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi ultimately sealed Nigeria’s fate. DR Congo held their nerve, with Chancel Mbemba firing home the decisive spot-kick to confirm their place in the World Cup.
It was a disappointing end for the Super Eagles, who began brightly but faded as the match wore on, eventually bowing out in heartbreaking fashion.
Five Worst Super Eagles Players After the Penalty Shootout:
1. Calvin Bassey
Bassey had a difficult night, capped by a disastrous penalty miss as he blasted his effort high into the stands. Before the shootout, he also struggled with positioning and dealt with multiple injury stoppages, disrupting Nigeria’s defensive rhythm.
2. Moses Simon
Coming on as a substitute, Simon contributed very little in attack and repeatedly lost possession in dangerous areas. His soft, easily saved penalty added to Nigeria’s collapse in the shootout.
3. Semi Ajayi
Ajayi’s missed penalty, placed too close to the keeper, was one of the decisive moments of the night. During normal play, he lacked composure under pressure and was slow reacting to Congolese transitions.
4. Alex Iwobi
Before being substituted in the 77th minute, Iwobi struggled to influence the game. His passing lacked creativity, he lost several midfield duels, and he failed to provide the link between attack and midfield that Nigeria desperately needed.
5. Toluwalase Arokodare
Arokodare wasted Nigeria’s biggest extra-time chance, blasting over from inside the box after a defensive error gifted him space. His hold-up play was erratic, and he failed to trouble Congo’s defence before being replaced..view more