Key facts about Nigeria’s World Cup eligibility battle with DR Congo
How the match was decided Nigeria and DR Congo met on November 16, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, in a one‑off CAF playoff final to decide who would reach the inter‑confederation playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. Frank Onyeka put Nigeria ahead early, but Meschack Elia equalised before half‑time, and after a tense extra time finished 1–1, DR Congo won 4–3 on penalties, with captain Chancel Mbemba scoring the decisive spot‑kick. For DR Congo, the victory offered a realistic route back to the World Cup for the first time since 1974 and rewarded years of rebuilding around Europe‑based talent. For Nigeria, it confirmed a second straight World Cup absence and intensified scrutiny of the coaching crew, NFF leadership and the long‑term planning of the Super Eagles. The eligibility complaint After the match, attention shifted from tactics to paperwork. In December 2025, […]