The Democratic Republic of Congo has pipped Nigeria to Africa’s ticket for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
The Leopards confirmed their place with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over the Super Eagles on Sunday.
Frank Onyeka has opened the scoring, before Meschack Elia equalized and there were no goals again.
DR Congo goalkeeper, Timothy Fayulu, proved to be the hero for his country in Rabat, Morocco.
So, what did we learn from the game?
1. Super Eagles a one-man team: Victor Osimhen was substituted during half time of the match. And it wasn’t quite the same team anymore. The Super Eagles lost their sense of urgency and belief, playing like a Championship team. Eric Chelle’s men were lucky not to lose in 120 minutes.
2. DR Congo on verge of history: The Leopards could be set to make history next year. Congo have won the African Cup of Nations two times (1968, 1974), but have only been to the World Cup once in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.
3. No World Cup again for Nigeria: The Super Eagles will now miss a second straight World Cup. The three-time African champions, who stumbled out of the gates in qualifying and never recovered, will miss a third World Cup since 2006 and second in a row.
4. A time for rebuild: Chelle does look like a decent manager. But his next task is rebuilding Nigeria’s national team. There are squad members who should have played their last game for the Super Eagles. And it is a real wonder why Raphael Onyedika was stuck on the bench, weeks after shining against Barcelona in the Champions League.
