DR Congo Shatters Nigeria’s World Cup Dream in Dramatic Penalty Shootout
RABAT, Morocco – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team, the Leopards, delivered a stunning blow to Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, securing a nail-biting 4-3 victory on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time in a crucial qualifier on Tuesday.
The match, played in Rabat, was a rollercoaster of emotions, ultimately ending the Super Eagles’ campaign and booking DR Congo a spot in the inter-confederation play-offs scheduled for next March in Mexico.
Nigeria, ranked 19 places above their opponents, seemed to have the advantage but could not convert their early control into a secure victory. After a hard-fought regulation and extra time that ended deadlocked, the contest moved to the dreaded penalty shootout.
Under immense pressure, the Leopards held their nerve, converting their decisive spot-kick to triumph 4-3 and sparking wild celebrations among their players and supporters.
The result marks a monumental achievement for DR Congo, who defied the odds by recovering from an early setback to dominate the latter stages of the game. For Nigeria, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, raising pressing questions about the future of the once-dominant Super Eagles.
The team, which has struggled to recapture the form that once made them a feared force in African football, now faces a period of introspection. As DR Congo prepares for its next challenge in Mexico, Nigerian fans are left to wonder: can the Super Eagles rise from this heartbreak and reclaim their former glory?
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