Kinshasa, DRC & Lagos, Nigeria – Jubilation erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo while shockwaves reverberated across Nigeria following a dramatic World Cup qualifying match. The Leopards of Congo secured a coveted spot in the global playoff for the 2026 World Cup after a nail-biting penalty shootout victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The match itself was a tense affair, with both teams displaying periods of dominance and creating scoring opportunities. Ultimately, the game’s fate rested on the nerve-wracking lottery of penalty kicks, where Congo emerged triumphant.
A standout moment came from Ibrahim Mayele, the Pyramids FC star, who calmly converted a crucial penalty. His subsequent prostration in prayer was widely shared and celebrated by Congolese fans.
The penalty shootout unfolded as follows:
Congo DR: ❌ ✅ ❌ ✅ ✅
Nigeria: ❌ ❌ ✅ ✅ ❌
The decisive miss by Nigeria on their sixth attempt triggered scenes of wild celebration among the Congolese players and supporters. The victory fuels their aspirations for a historic qualification for the World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Early reactions and analysis highlight the Congolese team’s resilience and fighting spirit. Conversely, the defeat represents a significant setback for the Super Eagles, who were widely considered favorites to advance.
This victory marks another step forward for the Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup qualifying campaign. They aim to continue their journey with confidence, hoping to end their long absence from the world’s biggest stage and make history.
