Nigeria vs DR Congo — Tense Night Ends 3-4 in penalty shoot out
In a pulsating showdown under the lights, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo played out a gripping 1-1 draw full time In extra time the match ultimately felt like a microcosm of African football’s drama, grit, and unrelenting hope. As the whistle blew on 120 minutes, both sides had left everything on the pitch: passion, ambition, and the knowledge that the margins of victory or defeat were wafer-thin.
From the outset, Nigeria stamped their authority. They moved with purpose, their hunger unmistakable. And it paid off early in the match, Frank Onyeka broke the deadlock for the Super Eagles, a reminder that Nigeria doesn’t need to wait for opportunities: they go looking for them. The celebrations were just beginning, but DR Congo would not be cowed.
The Leopards responded with composed urgency, rebalancing their play, probing Nigeria’s backline, and eventually finding the equalizer. Meschack Elia, calm under pressure, struck with precision, a reward for Congo’s persistence. What could have tilted the match decisively was reset; Nigeria’s early lead was wiped away.
As regular time wound down, tension mounted. Every tackle carried extra weight. Every cross felt like a potential dagger, every mistake, a costly one. But despite the energy and the expectation, neither side could find that decisive edge.
Extra time, then, became the proving ground. Fatigue physical and mental was evident, but so was determination. Nigeria pushed forward, keen to settle the tie. Congo, meanwhile, defended with discipline, knowing full well that any lapse could undo their resilience.
The final whistle brought relief, exhaustion, and unanswered questions. Neither side had sealed the deal; neither had crumbled. Instead, they stood level locked in a draw and the game went to penalty shoot out.
This 1-1 result in extra time isn’t just a mere scoreline. It’s a statement: Nigeria remains dangerous and resolute, but DR Congo is not intimidated. They are a test, a challenge and they matched the Super Eagles stride for stride. For fans, neutrals, and even the players themselves, tonight was a lesson in heart, in momentum, and in how tightly fate can hang in a match where everything is on the line. DR Congo won in Penalty shoot out 3-4 and Super Eagles are out of the FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
