Nigeria Misses World Cup Again After Play-Off Loss

Published: 18 November 2025 Tuesday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Nigeria fans are coming to terms with the bitter reality that the three-time African champions will miss successive World Cups following a disjointed and turbulent qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles’ hopes for the 2026 tournament ended after they were beaten on penalties by DR Congo in Africa’s play-off final on Sunday night.

The squad, featuring stars such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, could not secure one of the 48 spots at the expanded 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Nigeria’s last World Cup appearance, in 2022, had already seen the team struggle, and this latest failure underscores deeper structural and managerial challenges within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Nigeria’s rise to prominence on the global football stage began at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where they reached the last 16 on their debut. Two years later, they won Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, further cementing their reputation as a powerhouse in African football. However, fifth-ranked Nigeria in Africa will now miss the opportunity to add to these historic achievements.

The decisive play-off match against DR Congo began promisingly for Nigeria, with Frank Onyeka scoring an early goal to put the Super Eagles ahead. However, Meschack Elia equalised just after the half-hour mark, and Nigeria struggled to regain momentum. The team’s efforts were further hampered when talisman Osimhen went off injured at half-time, exposing a lack of depth in attack.

The penalty shootout proved cruel. Fulham defender Calvin Bassey sent his attempt over the bar, followed by missed spot-kicks from Moses Simon and Hull City centre-back Semi Ajayi. Nigeria coach Eric Chelle controversially accused a member of the DR Congo technical staff of “voodoo” during the shootout—a remark described by some observers as “surreal” and rarely seen in modern African football.

Beyond the heartbreak of penalties, Nigeria’s two-year qualification campaign revealed systemic weaknesses. Frequent managerial changes undermined team cohesion, and the side’s reliance on Osimhen was evident: just four points were taken from a possible 15 in his absence due to injury.

In Group C, Nigeria faced South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho, ultimately squeaking into the play-offs despite being top seeds. Under manager Jose Peseiro, Nigeria drew 1-1 at home against Lesotho and played to a stalemate with Zimbabwe in November 2023. Peseiro departed at the end of his contract in March 2024, having guided Nigeria to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.

Former Nigeria winger Finidi George then took over, but his brief tenure in June 2024 proved detrimental. A home draw against South Africa and a 2-1 defeat in Benin left the Super Eagles with just three points from four matches, jeopardising their World Cup qualification chances.

The failure to qualify highlights broader issues within Nigerian football, from inconsistent leadership to player availability and preparation. Analysts and fans alike argue that the NFF must undertake a thorough review of its systems, coaching strategies, and development programs if Nigeria hopes to reclaim its position among Africa’s elite footballing nations.

As the nation reflects on another missed opportunity, the Super Eagles and their supporters must now “go back to the drawing board” to rebuild a team capable of competing at the highest level and ensuring that future generations of Nigerian players can once again dream of World Cup glory.

This news has been carefully compiled from verified social media sources, international and UK-based news outlets, and cross-checked with detailed online data. It is presented with professionalism, impartiality, and a human-centred narrative, providing readers with an engaging, in-depth account of Nigeria’s disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.