World Cup (Q): Troost-Ekong says Nigeria devastated after DR Congo defeat

Nigeria national team captain William Troost-Ekong admitted they were left frustrated following their defeat against DR Congo which ended their journey to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

During the African Play-off final at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday, the Leopards kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup dream alive after beating the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Le tir au but de la victoire encore pour Chancel Mbemba. C’est tellement le capitaine et l’âme de l’équipe #NGRRDC pic.twitter.com/3OG2P99O6r

— Kembo Waxan (@KemboFaith) November 16, 2025

Frank Onyeka had given the Super Eagles a third-minute lead, but Meschack Elia levelled on 32 minutes and, after 120 tense minutes, captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Leopards into March’s inter-confederation play-off in Mexico.

Nigeria arrived buoyed by a 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon; DR Congo had eliminated Cameroon with a stoppage-time strike from Mbemba. That cagey, hard-edged form framed much of what followed.

‘It wasn’t good enough from Nigeria’

“We’re devastated. As a team, I’m really proud of the boys…always gave everything, it’s not just this game, the games before, the last 10 months,” said Troost-Ekong after the game as quoted by Citi Sports.

“It wasn’t good enough today but there is so much positive to take from here. There’s an AFCON in a month’s time.”

He concluded: “I think the future of this team is bright…but today (Sunday), is a really tough day and all of us are really feeling it. We want to be at the World Cup but it didn’t work out that way.”

Nigeria arrived buoyed by a 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon; while DR Congo had eliminated Cameroon with a stoppage-time strike from Mbemba. The win enabled DR Congo, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1974 as Zaire, to advance to the inter-confederation play-off from 23-31 March 2026.

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