World Cup playoff: Super Eagles lose to DR Congo in penalty shoot-out
…to miss 2026 World Cup
The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday lost to the leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 4:3 penalty shootout, thereby dashing their only remaining hope for a potential ticket to the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
DR Congo will now head to the inter-confederation playoffs slated for march 2026 in Mexico.
The inter-confederation playoffs will feature six teams in a mini-tournament, competing for the final two World Cup spots, doubling as a test run for the 2026 World Cup.
The playoffs could afford Africa a tenth World Cup spot, should DR Congo emerge victorious, with nine African countries already granted automatic qualification by reason of emerging top in their respective groups.
Details later…
