Nigeria, Nov. 17 -- Nigeria's quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday night after the Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in a tense and dramatic playoff at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat.

The match had finished 1-1 after 120 minutes, but the Leopards held their nerve in the shootout to advance, leaving Nigeria devastated after a draining contest defined by missed chances, gritty defending, and high emotion.

Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the perfect start in the third minute, firing home from the edge of the box after a deflection wrong-footed goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.

DR Congo responded strongly and equalised in the 32nd minute through Meschack Elia, who finished neatly ...