World Cup (Q): Stanley Nwabali disappointed with Nigeria’s failure to qualify

Nigeria national team goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed disappointment after the Super Eagles failed to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Intercontinental playoffs.

The Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalties to the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of the 2026 World Cup African playoffs in Rabat on Sunday.

 

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A post shared by Chief Stanley Bobo Nwabali (M.O.N) (@nwabali32)

Nigeria took the lead from Frank Onyeka’s deflected effort in the third minute, before Meschak Elia equalised for DR Congo in the 34th minute after poor defending by the Super Eagles.

Heading into the penalty shootout, Nwabali kept the three times African champions hopes alive by saving two penalties after Moses Simon and Calvin Bassey both missed the first two for Nigeria.

‘We take full responsibility’

However, it was Semi Ajayi’s missed decisive penalty kick in sudden death that lead to coach Eric Chelle’s side bowing out of the playoff.. On his Instagram page Nwabali apologised to their supporters after what he labelled “a painful defeat”.

“Painful! We all did our best for the badge though our best wasn’t enough. I was once a fan and understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night, we take full responsibility.”

DR Congo will now represent Africa in the 2026 intercontinental playoffs in Mexico, while Nigeria turns their focus to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

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