Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has apologised to Nigerians after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoffs final on Sunday, Bold Sports reports.
Nwabali delivered an impressive performance in Rabat, notably denying a goal-bound header in the final minute of extra time before producing two saves during the shootout. But his heroics were not enough, as DR Congo triumphed 4-3 on penalties to end Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
After the match, the Chippa United goalkeeper took to Instagram to express his disappointment and assume responsibility on behalf of the squad.
“Painful! We all did our best for the badge thought our best wasn’t enough. I was once a fan and understand how it feels giving you a disappointing night, we take full responsibility,” he wrote on his official page.
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Nigeria had reached the playoffs after finishing second in their qualifying group with 17 points, and their convincing 4-1 victory over Gabon in the semifinals had boosted expectations of a return to football’s biggest stage. However, Sunday’s loss means the Super Eagles have now missed back-to-back World Cup tournaments, with their last appearance coming at Russia 2018.
For DR Congo, the victory marks a major milestone in their campaign as they progress to the Inter-confederation playoffs. They now stand one step away from returning to the World Cup for the first time since their debut appearance in 1974.
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