Overview
- DR Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Rabat to win CAF’s mini‑playoff for the final pathway place.
- Nigeria led through Frank Onyeka before Meschack Elia equalised, and substitute keeper Timothy Fayulu saved two spot‑kicks before captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decider.
- Nigeria’s defeat ends their 2026 World Cup bid, and the Super Eagles now turn attention to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
- Nigeria coach Eric Chelle alleged members of DR Congo’s staff engaged in ‘maraboutage/voodoo’ during the shootout, a claim he repeated post‑match.
- The six‑team inter‑confederation playoff in March will award two World Cup berths, as Germany and the Netherlands secured direct qualification in Europe on Monday.