Overview
- The playoff final in Rabat finished 1-1 after extra time before DR Congo won the shootout 4-3, with Frank Onyeka and Meschack Elia scoring in regulation and Chancel Mbemba converting the decisive kick.
- Nigeria missed three penalties through Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi, and DR Congo introduced Timothy Fayulu as a late goalkeeping switch for the shootout.
- Victor Osimhen left the match injured in the second half, and Nigeria’s bid to reach 2026 ended there.
- Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle alleged a DR Congo staff member performed “vudú” during the shootout, a claim the Congolese coach and federation rejected.
- DR Congo will compete in the intercontinental repechage in Monterrey and Guadalajara from March 23–31, 2026, after Nigeria’s elimination confirmed a second straight missed World Cup for the Super Eagles.