from MOHANED EL KADIRI in Rabat, Morocco
Morocco Bureau
RABAT, (CAJ News) — THE Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) dramatically eliminated Nigeria from the FIFA World Cup play-offs after winning 4–3 on penalties at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, keeping alive what would be one of the nation’s most historic football achievements.
Nigeria had opened the scoring when Frank Onyeka’s strike took a heavy deflection off Congolese defender Axel Tuanzebe, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and putting the Super Eagles 1–0 ahead.
But DRC, refusing to buckle under pressure, grew into the match with sustained attacking movements. Their persistence paid off when Mechak Elia, capitalising on a defensive error, calmly slotted home from close range.
Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi miscontrolled an inswinging cross from the right, allowing Elia to equalise and shift momentum back to the Leopards.
With both sides unable to break the deadlock in regulation time, the match went to a tense penalty shootout. DRC held their nerve, converting four of their attempts while Nigeria faltered, sending the Congolese team into wild celebrations.
For the DRC, qualifying for the Continental Playoffs in March is more than just a step forward—it is a moment of immense national significance.
The Leopards have only appeared at the FIFA World Cup once in their history, back in 1974, when the nation was still known as Zaire.
Since then, the country has battled political instability, infrastructural challenges, and limited investment in football development.
This qualification revives hope across the Central African nation that a return to the world’s biggest football stage is possible.
It also signals the rise of a new generation of Congolese talent, blending Europe-based stars with home-grown players eager to restore DRC’s footballing pride.
The victory over Nigeria—one of Africa’s football powerhouses and a three-time African champion—is widely viewed as a statement of intent.
For many Congolese fans, this playoff success represents a national resurgence, a unifying moment, and a chance to rewrite their football narrative.
With their World Cup dream now “truly alive,” the Leopards head into the final stage of qualification with belief, momentum, and a nation firmly behind them.
— CAJ News