“SPORT | FOOTBALL Victor Osimhen in tears as Nigeria lose World Cup play-off final on penalties Super Eagles have failed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup VICTOR OSIMHEN AND NIGERIA WILL NOT BE AT NEXT SUMMER’S WORLD CUP AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES TASHAN DENIRAN-ALLEYNE 18 HOURS AGO COMMENTS 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. Boosted by the availability of Wilfred Ndidi – who was initially suspended for the final – the Super Eagles were favourites to overcome the Leopards and be Africa’s sole representative at FIFA’s inter-confederation play-offs which take place early next year. 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. READ MORE Nigeria vs DR Congo LIVE: Result and updates from World Cup play-off final Tuchel hails ‘satisfying’ England win as debutants impress in Albania Kane makes England World Cup prediction after unbeaten qualifying campaign SPONSORED The smart business guide 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. MORE ABOUT VICTOR OSIMHEN SUPER EAGLES Have your say… VIEW COMMENTS Osimhen reveals key message to Nigeria team-mates before extra-time goals The Standard – Sport Pop star Akon arrested in US The Standard – Showbiz Harvard Professor Steven Pinker Recommends: These 7 Books Will Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Celebrity Reading List Live Betting Excitement: ₦500,000 Given As Your First Bet. Participate in our N500K weekly giveaway and win big cash prizes. Enter today msport.com Cardiologist: This Is What Really Causes Belly Fat (And It’s Not Calories!) Health – News Woman sells ring given by ex, then jeweler tells her ‘This can’t be true’ DailySportX NEWS SPORT BUSINESS LIFESTYLE CULTURE GOING OUT HOMES & PROPERTY COMMENT The London Standard Archive All Topics All Authors Newsletters Terms of use Contact Us Privacy Notice Privacy Options Cookie Policy Code of conduct and complaints Promotion Rules Contributors Brand Safety The Independent The Independent US indy100 SPORT | BOXING Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua CONFIRMED as Netflix sets December 19 date Two-time heavyweight champion will take on former YouTuber next month ” https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/osimhen-nigeria-world-cup-play-off-final-penalties-dr-congo-b1258335.html#:~:text=SPORT%20%7C%20FOOTBALL,YouTuber%20next%20month