Overview
- DR Congo won the African play-off final in Rabat 4-3 on penalties, ending Nigeria's bid for the 2026 World Cup.
- The win sends DR Congo to the intercontinental play-offs in March, with a World Cup place still to be earned.
- Coach Sébastien Desabre introduced Timothy Fayulu before the shootout, and the goalkeeper produced the decisive stops.
- Heavy rain accompanied the shootout, and reports noted plastic bottles thrown from the Nigerian section toward penalty takers.
- Chelle alleged a DR Congo staff member repeatedly sprayed liquid during the penalties as a ritual and later reproached journalists for not raising the issue.