By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Super Eagles for their efforts in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers despite their nerve-racking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes came to a painful end at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, with the playoff clash ending 1–1 after 120 minutes before DR Congo edged the shootout to reach the intercontinental playoff.
Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria a dream start in the third minute, but Congolese forward M. Elia levelled the score just past the half-hour mark. The match remained tightly contested, with both sides having chances in extra time — including Tolu Arokodare’s missed header and a crucial save from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, early misses from Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon proved costly, despite Nwabali keeping out DR Congo’s first attempt. DR Congo eventually sealed a 4–3 victory, ending Nigeria’s qualification bid for the second tournament running.
The result sets DR Congo up for a final chance to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Reacting to the outcome, President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commended the squad for showing fight despite the loss.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” Tinubu said.
The President called for a sober reflection on the team’s performance, adding, “We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.”
Looking ahead, Tinubu urged the nation to shift attention to the next major task — the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations set to take place in Morocco between January and February.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he added, saying the lessons from the World Cup qualifiers must guide preparations for the continental showdown.
Tinubu also encouraged supporters to remain behind the team, reassuring that the players displayed determination and character over both playoff legs, even under intense pressure in the Rabat shootout.