Overview
- After a 1-1 draw through extra time, DR Congo beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties, with Frank Onyeka scoring early for Nigeria and Meschack Elia equalising before the interval.
- Substitute keeper Timothy Fayulu entered just before the shootout and saved two spot-kicks, and captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty.
- Nigeria are out of 2026 World Cup qualifying and will miss a second straight finals after previously falling short for 2022.
- Victor Osimhen was replaced at half-time after appearing to be injured and was later seen in tears as Nigeria’s attacking threat waned.
- DR Congo advance to the inter‑confederation playoffs in Mexico in March, with the draw due this week, where six teams compete for two World Cup places.