- Nigeria’s World Cup 2026 play-off game against DR Congo had dramatic scenes during the penalty shootouts
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle had to be held back as he confronted the DRC technical bench
- Chelle later explained what was going on after watching his side fail to progress to the final play-offs next year
For the second time in a row, Nigeria will not be at the World Cup.
The Super Eagles were beaten by the Democratic Republic of Congo on post-match penalty shoot-outs in the final of the Africa play-offs on Sunday evening.
The all-or-nothing game pitted two of the heavily sacked teams on the continent for a chance to get a last opportunity to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
Frank Onyeka scored inside two minutes to give Nigeria an early lead, but DR Congo came back through Meschack Elia in the 32nd minute.
The game eventually spilled over to penalties to decide who would represent Africa in the inter-confederation play-offs next year.
Nigeria coach accuses DRC of using voodoo
It was during the penalties that drama started and threatened to turn into chaos on the touchline.
Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, was visibly frustrated by a member of the DR Congo technical bench. The Malian had to be held back, including by his opposite number, Sebastian Desabre, as he squared up to the member.
The confrontation reached a boiling point after DR Congo triumphed to send Nigeria packing. The Leopards had made a change just before the shoot-out, replacing their goalkeeper, Lionel Mpasi-Nzau, with Timothy Fayulu.
The decision worked like a charm as Fayulu saved two penalties, including the decisive one from Semi Ajayi, to set up Chancel Mbemba to score the winner.
Speaking after the game, Chelle lifted the lid on why he was angry.
DR Congo had beaten Cameroon in the semi-finals thanks to a late goal from Mbemba, while Nigeria overcame Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon 4-1 in extra time.
DR Congo will now proceed to the inter-confederation play-offs, where they will face countries from North America, South America, Oceania and Asia for a chance to become the 10th African team to make it to the 2026 World Cup.
Tuko
