DR Congo Shock Nigeria On Penalties To Reach Inter‑Confederation Playoff

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DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time in the African World Cup playoff final. Frank Onyeka put Nigeria ahead in the 3rd minute, but Meschack Elia equalised in the 32nd. In the tense shootout, DR Congo’s captain Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive penalty, while goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu made two crucial saves to secure victory. The result ended Nigeria’s World Cup hopes and sent DR Congo through to the inter-confederation playoff in March, keeping their 2026 World Cup dream alive.

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World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Congo vs Nigeria
Congo national team members pose for a photo as they celebrate with their coach Sebastien Desabre after being qualified for the FIFA 2026 soccer World Cup in the African qualifier final match against Nigeria, in Rabat, Morocco. | Photo: AP
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World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Nigeria vs Congo
Congo national team members celebrate with their coach Sebastien Desabre after being qualified for the FIFA 2026 soccer World Cup in the African qualifier final match against Nigeria, in Rabat, Morocco. | Photo: AP
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Congo vs Nigeria
Congo's Ngal'ayel Mukau challenges Nigeria's Wilfred Ndidi during the World Cup African qualifier soccer match between Congo and Nigeria, in Rabat, Morocco. | Photo: AP
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Nigeria vs Congo
Supporters of Congo cheer their national team ahead of World Cup African qualifier soccer match against Nigeria, in Rabat, Morocco. | Photo; AP

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