By Wilson Adekumola
DR Congo booked their spot in the inter-confederation playoffs after edging Super Eagles 4–3 in a tense penalty shootout, following a 1–1 draw that lasted through extra time.
The victory keeps alive their dream of becoming the 10th African nation at the 2026 World Cup, joining the nine that have already sealed direct qualification from the CAF group stage: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.
The March playoffs will pool six contenders, two from CONCACAF and one each from the AFC, CONMEBOL, OFC and CAF, in a battle for the final two tickets to the expanded 48-team tournament.
On Sunday in Rabat, the Leopards showed remarkable resilience. Nigeria stunned them early when Frank Onyeka struck in just the third minute, but Meschack Elia hauled DR Congo level just past the half-hour mark.
The deadlock held firm through regular time and an exhausting half-hour of extra time.
With penalties looming, Congolese coach Sébastien Desabre made a bold call: he introduced substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu in the final minute.
The decision paid off instantly as Fayulu pulled off two crucial saves during the shootout.
Captain Chancel Mbemba, already the hero in the semifinal against Cameroon, stepped up for the decisive kick.
On his 101st appearance, the veteran defender hammered his penalty high down the middle, sealing Congo’s passage and sparking wild celebrations at Rabat’s Moulay Hassan Stadium.
The triumph marked a stark contrast to Nigeria’s campaign, which unraveled early with three draws and a defeat in their opening four qualifiers.
The Super Eagles’ stumble proved too costly, and the shootout loss means they will miss consecutive World Cups for the first time since before Italia ’90.
Their last appearance remains the 2018 edition in Russia.
For DR Congo, the moment carries historic weight. The nation, whose last World Cup appearance came in 1974 under the name Zaire, now stands two matches away from ending a 52-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
Supporters and players united in jubilant scenes after the final whistle, proudly waving flags and taking photos with their section of traveling fans.
Though the match often tested their resolve, the Congolese never abandoned their belief, ultimately earning a dramatic and deserved path to the next round.
Now all eyes turn to Thursday’s draw and the decisive playoff tournament in March, where two coveted World Cup spots await the teams brave enough to seize them.
