Victor Osimhen in tears as Nigeria lose World Cup play-off final on penalties | OneFootball

Super Eagles have failed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup

Victor Osimhen was reduced to tears as Nigeria saw their World Cup dream dashed against DR Congo.

Nigeria had rekindled their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes with a 4-1 win over Gabon on Thursday in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) second round play-off semi-final.

After Chidera Ejuke had restored Nigeria’s lead early in extra-time, Osimhen scored twice to maintain his excellent start to the season for club and country.

Eric Chelle’s side then discovered they would be facing DR Congo in the play-off final after the Leopards stunned Cameroon in the other semi-final showdown.

Frank Onyeka, largely responsible for sealing Nigeria’s place in the play-offs with his late goal in the final group game match against Benin, opened the scoring after just three minutes with a deflected effort.

However, DR Congo equalised just after the half hour mark through Meschak Elia and the two nations would play out a stalemate for the remainder of the regulation 90 minutes and then extra-time.

DR Congo substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu proved to be the hero as he saved from Semi Ajayi in sudden death, leaving captain Chancel Mbemba to score the decisive penalty.

Osimhen watched the penalty shootout from the sidelines after being replaced at half-time by Akor Adams and his reaction upon walking off the pitch has gone viral on social media.

In a video clip uploaded to X, Osimhen could be seen in tears while leaving pitch, though he was one of the first players to console the squad after the shootout.