The Super Eagles of Nigeria crashed out of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in dramatic fashion, despite taking an early lead in the game. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played without the three-time Nations Cup winners after the West African team failed to get past the Democratic Republic of Congo in a must-win encounter.
The match, played in a neutral venue in Morocco, saw the Super Eagles take the lead as early as the 3rd minute after a Frank Onyeka’s shot took a wicked deflection off former Manchester United player Axel Tuanzebe, leaving goalkeeper Lionel Fayulu with no chance. However, the Central Africans fought hard and drew level in the 32nd minute through Meshek Elia courtesy of a costly mistake from Wilfred Ndidi, who chose to control a low cross inside the goalkeeper’s box instead of clearing it for safety, effectively presenting the ball on a platter for the opponents.
Also Read: Super Eagles Needs Prayers- Etafia
Despite dominating most of the first half, the Super Eagles lost their rhythm in the second period and were forced to defend for long spells. Their counter-attacking attempts yielded nothing throughout the second half and extra time. The match eventually ended 1–1, with Nigeria losing 3–4 on penalties.
Without a doubt, the substitution of key striker Victor Osimhen, who appeared to have picked up a knock in the first half, proved costly. His absence robbed the team of much of its attacking flair, and nothing significant emerged in the final third afterwards.
This exit leaves a sour taste in the mouths of Nigerian fans whose expectations had been raised, especially after the team navigated a difficult group phase and earned a shot at qualification through the playoffs. It seemed as though destiny was on their side, but football does not always offer happy endings.
As the best-ranked team among those eligible for the intercontinental qualification play-offs, the Super Eagles would have advanced automatically to the finals of the intercontinental qualifiers had they won today.
With the Nations Cup around the corner, the team must now shift focus and work toward delivering a strong performance, putting this disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign behind them.
