Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup got here to a painful finish on Sunday evening, because the Tremendous Eagles fell 4-2 on penalties to DR Congo after a tense and draining 1-1 draw throughout 120 minutes on the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
Within the pre-match report Softfootball dubbed the match towards DR Congo as a do-or-die encounter, and this match wasn’t wanting unpredictability; it was a match that swung wildly, felt cagey at occasions, and truthfully dragged nerves to the sting for either side. In the long run, although, Congo stored their cool only a bit longer.
In a defiant message posted by way of their official X account , the Tremendous Eagles have urged everybody to chin up and stand robust within the face of disappointment.
They posted:
Nigeria truly started the match with actual goal and even brighter vitality than many anticipated. Their early strain paid off when Zaidu Sanusi drilled a low cross into the DR Congo field.
The ball bounced awkwardly, clipped Arthur Masuaku, and fell kindly for Frank Onyeka, who smashed dwelling a shot that took a beneficial deflection on its approach into the online.
For a quick second, it seemed just like the Tremendous Eagles would possibly construct on that momentum. Wilfred Ndidi examined the Congolese keeper with a pointy long-range effort, whereas Ademola Lookman created what ought to have been a golden likelihood, just for Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze to get in one another’s approach within the field. That missed second would quickly sting.
As a result of within the thirty second minute, DR Congo struck proper again. A fast counter sliced by means of the Nigerian midfield, and Cédric Bakambu squared the ball completely for Meschack Elia, who calmly slid it previous Stanley Nwabali. Abruptly, all that early Nigerian confidence evaporated a bit.
Issues took one other worrying flip after halftime when star striker Victor Osimhen was substituted for Akor Adams, sparking rapid fears amongst followers that he had picked up a knock and he gained’t have the ability to proceed main the cost. And with out Osimhen, Nigeria lacked their normal chunk up entrance, even after Chidera Ejuke and Moses Simon got here on to inject contemporary tempo.
Further time got here, Nigeria’s second straight 120-minute struggle, and DR Congo seemed the stronger facet. They pushed laborious, compelled Nwabali into motion, and even had a aim chalked off. Nigeria’s finest look got here when Bruno Onyemaechi discovered Tolu Arokodare, however the Wolves ahead couldn’t end the second that may’ve rescued the evening.
Then got here the shootout, and heartbreak adopted. DR Congo launched goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu simply minutes earlier than penalties, and the transfer paid off spectacularly. He saved two Nigerian spot-kicks, sealing Congo’s ticket to the Inter-confederation playoffs and slamming the Tremendous Eagles’ World Cup dream shut.
