Overview
- The playoff final in Rabat finished 1-1 after extra time, with Frank Onyeka scoring in the third minute and Meschack Elia equalising on 32 minutes.
- Coach Sébastien Desabre introduced Timothy Fayulu just before the shootout, and the substitute saved two penalties before captain Chancel Mbemba converted the winner.
- Nigeria missed early kicks through Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon, and Semi Ajayi’s effort was saved in sudden death as DR Congo prevailed 4-3.
- The result means Nigeria will miss a second straight World Cup, with their campaign fading after Victor Osimhen was substituted at half-time.
- Post-match, coach Éric Chelle alleged DR Congo used ‘voodoo’ during the shootout, a claim denied by a DR Congo representative, as the victors await Thursday’s draw for March’s playoff in Mexico.