"Nigeria fans are coming to terms with the fact the three-time continental champions will miss successive World Cups after a disjointed qualifying campaign which included two changes of manager and players boycotting training. A squad boasting talents such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi could not clinch one of the 48 places at the expanded 2026 finals after being beaten on penalties by DR Congo in Africa's play-off final on Sunday night."
"Nigeria failed to build on their perfect start against DR Congo after Frank Onyeka's early strike put them ahead, with Meschack Elia equalising just after half an hour. The Super Eagles barely threatened after talisman Osimhen was went off injured at half-time. In the penalty shootout, Fulham defender Calvin Bassey scooped his effort over the bar for Nigeria and Paris FC's Moses Simon has his spot-kick saved."
"Nigeria coach Eric Chelle went as far as accusing a member of the DR Congo technical staff of "voodoo" while his side were taking penalties. While such allegations have previously been raised in the African game, they are now rare and one reporter in Rabat described the Malian's comments as "surreal". Just when it seemed Nigeria would be fully focused on the play-offs, their preparations were hit by off-field issues."
Nigeria missed successive World Cups after losing on penalties to DR Congo in Africa's play-off final and failed to secure a place at the expanded 2026 tournament. The squad featured Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi but could not convert early dominance into victory. Frank Onyeka scored early before Meschack Elia equalised, and Osimhen went off injured at half-time, reducing attacking threat. In the shootout Calvin Bassey mishit his penalty and Moses Simon had his kick saved. Coach Eric Chelle accused a DR Congo staff member of "voodoo," and preparations were disrupted by boycotts over unpaid allowances and managerial changes.
Read at www.bbc.com
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