Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup dream ended in heartbreak on Sunday after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in Rabat turned into a 4-3 penalty shootout defeat. Frank Onyeka put the Super Eagles ahead before Elia Meschack levelled, sending the tense, hard-fought match into extra time. Despite creating chances and battling until the last minute, Nigeria fell short from the spot.

This marks the first time since 2006 that the Super Eagles will miss consecutive World Cups — a devastating blow for Nigerian football.


