- Nigeria 1-1 Congo : Oneyka 03’ – Elia 32’
- 3-4 in penalty shootout
After a tense, nerve-shredding night that ended in a penalty shootout, the Democratic Republic of Congo booked its place in the intercontinental playoff by edging Nigeria following a 1–1 draw.
For Nigeria, the heartbreak feels even sharper considering how the match began. Riding a wave of momentum after surviving a difficult group, the Super Eagles struck early when Frank Onyeka scored just three minutes in. Dominant throughout the first half, they came inches from doubling their lead when Ademola Lookman squared the ball for Chukwueze — only for Ndidi to inexplicably steal the ball off his teammate’s foot before slipping, wasting a golden chance.
That blunder proved costly. Moments later, Ndidi miscontrolled instead of clearing, gifting Meschack Elia the opportunity to equalize for Congo.
The second half saw Nigeria fade rapidly. The substitutions of Lookman, Chukwueze, and, most crucially, superstar Victor Osimhen, forced the team deeper and stripped them of attacking threat. Congo took control and nearly won it in the 120th minute.
The decisive moment finally came in the shootout. Brought on specifically for the penalties, goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu saved Nigeria’s fourth attempt, handing match point to captain Chancel Mbemba. The veteran center-back calmly converted, sending Congo to the intercontinental playoff — now just one victory away from its first World Cup appearance since 1974, back when the country competed as Zaire.