A Clash of Giants in Rabat
Nigeria, veterans of six previous FIFA World Cups, began the playoff final with confidence. Frank Onyeka’s third-minute strike, deflected slightly off Axel Tuanzebe, gave the Super Eagles an early lead. But the Democratic Republic of the Congo refused to be subdued, showing resilience and ambition throughout the contest.
Missed Chances and Equaliser
Within minutes, DR Congo nearly levelled when Ngal’ayel Mukau missed from close range after goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali misjudged a cross. Their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute: Alex Iwobi lost possession deep in Congolese territory, Cedric Bakambu broke quickly, and his square pass found Meschack Elia, who slotted home despite Wilfred Ndidi’s desperate interception attempt.
Second-Half Drama
The second half saw DR Congo grow in confidence. Bakambu’s clever back-heel at a corner forced Nwabali into a sharp save, and Noah Sadiki appeared to be fouled in the box by Benjamin Fredrick in the 55th minute. The referee waved play on, with no VAR intervention, leaving Congolese fans frustrated. Both sides adopted a cautious approach, aware of the high stakes.
Fatigue and Extra Time
Nigeria, who had required extra time to overcome Gabon in their semifinal, looked weary compared to DR Congo, who dispatched Cameroon in regulation time. Extra time produced chances at both ends: substitute Tolu Arokodare headed over for Nigeria, while Chancel Mbemba’s last-gasp effort was denied by Nwabali.
Penalty Shootout Glory
The match was decided from the spot. Substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, introduced just before the shootout, became the hero with two crucial saves. Captain Mbemba converted the decisive penalty, sealing a 4-3 victory and sparking jubilant celebrations.
Historical Significance
This triumph keeps DR Congo’s dream alive of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the nation competed under the name Zaire. Their resilience and tactical discipline have reignited hope for a new generation of Congolese football fans.
The Road Ahead
DR Congo now advance to the inter-confederation playoffs in March, where six teams will battle for two coveted spots at the 2026 World Cup. Already qualified from Africa are Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Elsewhere, Bolivia (South America) and New Caledonia (Oceania) have booked playoff places. Asia’s representative will be decided between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, while North and Central America will contribute two runners-up. Europe continues its own playoff system for remaining berths.
Closing Reflection
Nigeria’s defeat is a bitter disappointment for a team with rich World Cup history. For DR Congo, however, this victory is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the possibility of rewriting history. Their journey is far from over, but the dream of returning to football’s biggest stage is alive and burning brightly.
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| DR Congo Team |
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