For the first time since their debut appearance in 1994, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will miss back-to-back FIFA World Cup tournaments after falling to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final on Sunday.

They had it coming all along, and it looked inevitable at some point, but fate played Nigerians after the Super Eagles had played with their World Cup dreams, until the coffin was finally nailed in the hands of a dominant Leopards of Congo DR.

Congo DR dominant against the Super Eagles of Nigeria was not the phrase anyone would expect to read on a Monday morning after the two sides had clashed in a decisive match to reach the World Cup finals the previous night. But yes, it happened. It was devastating.

The three-time African champions finally succumbed to a fate that seemed inevitable after their poor start to the regular qualifying campaign, which made them the only team in the playoffs not to lead their group at any point in time.

A qualifying campaign that was complicated by a host of reasons, but majorly due to managerial instabilities and injuries, the former of which saw three different coaches lead the team in the group stages, and the first two failing to record a win in four combined games.

As per injuries, the Super Eagles always falter in the absence of Victor Osimhen. After the Galatasaray man was taken off at halftime against Congo DR due to injury, a dominant Nigerian side fell off after the interval, and there was only one team playing, and that was the Leopards.

This is as big a disappointment as it gets in the proud footballing history of Nigeria. From a shambolic regular qualifiers that was salvaged by Eritrea's withdrawal clause to being ousted by a team 19 places below them on the FIFA ranking, it is a big slap on the face.

How it happened in Rabat: Congo DR continues its journey to history

After beating their respective semi-final opponents, both Nigeria and the DR Congo knew that not even the FIFA World Cup ticket awaited them in the final, but a chance to continue their quest for it.

Nigeria scored four goals against Gabon, three of which came in extra time, where they finally showed their clinivality in front of goal after several misses in normal time, but against the DR Congo, they started far better, but waned as it grew.

Frank Onyeka, who was introduced to the starting XI after coming off to bench against Gabon, gave them an early lead in the third minute, following an unconvincing defensive clearance by the Congolese defence.

He lashed onto the ball from outside of the box, and it took a wicked deflection to wrongfoot the goalkeeper, who could only watch helplessly as the ball rolled into the back of the net.

Eric Chelle's charge created a lot more danger after the opener, but they were unable to add to their lead as Congo DR survived the early onslaught against a team that has scored eight times in their previous two games.

They then grew into the game and found themselves an equalizer two minutes after the half-hour mark, when Alex Iwobi was caught on the ball by Meschack Elia, who played it into the path of Cedric Bakambu before making his way to the box, where he ultimately got on the end of the cross to beat Stanley Nwabali for 1-1.

After the first half ended all square, Akor Adams took the place of Victor Osimhen at the start of the second half, suggesting that the striker had picked up an injury and could not continue the match.

Whatever Sebastien Desabre told his team at the halftime break really worked, but there was only one deserved winner after the reemergence, and that was Congo DR, who asked all the questions for the final 75 minutes.

They had the ball in the back of the net twice in extra time, but both efforts were rightfully ruled out for fouls, first on Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and the second on substitute defender Bruno Onyemaechi.

Penalty shout-out drama

Just before the final whistle, Congo DR made a bold move to alter the sticks, and this paid off as Timothy Fayulu emerged as their hero during the penalty shootout.

Calvin Bassey, who was one of the best players in normal play, was first to go, but the Fulham defender blasted his effort well over the bar, while Stanley Nwabali denied Samuel Moutoussamy to keep the score level.

Moses Simon was denied by the Congo DR goalkeeper, and Congo ultimately took the lead with the first goal of the penalty shootout, scored by Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki.

Nigeria went on to score their final three of the regular five through Akor Adams, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Chidera Ejuke, while Stanley Nwabali kept out Axel Tuanzebe to keep the score level.

It went to sudden death, and defender Semi Ajayi was denied by the woodwork in Nigeria's sixth penalty, leading Chancel Mbemba with the chance to convert the decisive kick for the Leopards, and the captain beat Nwabali to send Congo DR into the Inter confederation playoff come March.

The Voodoo controversy

There was a heated moment between Eric Chelle and a member of DR Congo staff during the penalty shootout, one that required the intervention of the officials.

The Super Eagles boss later claimed a DR Congo staff member performed "voodoo" during the penalty shootout in Rabat that eliminated the Super Eagles from the 2026 World Cup race.

Chelle stated he was "nervous" after witnessing repeated gestures during the VAR review, alleging the staff member was engaging in ritualistic actions, though the exact nature remains unclear.

What's next for Super Eagles?

After recording another historical low, the Super Eagles will now switch focus to the upcoming African Cup of Nations next month in Morocco, where they will be looking to go one better and make up for the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup.