Nigeria Fails to Qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup, Misses Out Again

Nigeria will not play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team’s qualification hopes ended after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo on Sunday night in Rabat. The match had ended in a 1-1 draw.

This marks the second time in a row that the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the World Cup, having also missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

During the match, Nigeria started strong with Frank Onyeka scoring a goal just three minutes in. However, Meschack Elia of DR Congo scored an equalizer before the first half ended. Neither team could score in the second half or in extra time, leading to the penalty shootout.

The shootout was the deciding factor. DR Congo’s substitute goalkeeper, Timothy Fayulu, became the key player by saving two important penalties from Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi. His performance secured the win for DR Congo and sent them to the intercontinental playoffs.