BREAKING :DR Congo edge Nigeria on penalties to reach 2026 W’Cup intercontinental playoff

DR Congo mounted a spirited comeback to defeat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in the African playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a place in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March.

The tense encounter at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, kicked off at 8 p.m. local time (19:00 GMT) and lived up to its billing as a high-stakes showdown.

Nigeria struck first, capitalising on early pressure to take a 1–0 lead, but DR Congo responded with resilience, gradually growing into the match and forcing an equaliser midway through the second half.

Both sides created late chances, with Nigeria twice denied by sharp goalkeeping and DR Congo narrowly missing a winner when a close-range header rattled the crossbar in the 88th minute. After a cagey period of extra time, the game went to a penalty shootout, where Congolese goalkeeper  emerged as the hero—saving two spot-kicks and keeping his side’s World Cup dream alive.

DR Congo’s players celebrated wildly at the final whistle, knowing they now move one step closer to what would be a historic World Cup qualification. Nigeria, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed opportunities as their campaign ended in heartbreak.

The Congolese team will now prepare for the intercontinental playoff in March, where a World Cup berth will be on the line.

More details to follow…