Ghana’s Black Stars mock Super Eagles after Nigeria's heartbreaking loss against DR Congo

Ghana’s Black Stars have taken to social media to mock Nigeria’s Super Eagles following their heartbreaking defeat to DR Congo in the World Cup playoff final. 

The intense WCQ Playoff final, held Sunday night at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan stadium in Rabat, was filled with tension and anxiety as both teams battled for World Cup qualification. 

Nigeria started strong, taking the lead in the third minute after a clever cross from Zaidu Sanusi was flicked on for Frank Onyeka to score, albeit with a deflection into the Congolese net.

The Super Eagles pressed hard, with stand-in captain Wilfred Ndidi forcing a shot just wide. DR Congo responded with threats of their own, including a free-kick that narrowly missed the target.

However, Nigeria soon lost the advantage when Meshak Elia outpaced Ndidi and slotted past Stanley Nwabali, who had replaced the injured Osimhen after the first half.

Nwabali made several crucial saves, including a delicate stop following a corner in the 53rd minute and a key header save deep into extra time. 

Nigeria’s Tolu Arokodare came close with a header from a Bruno Onyemaechi cross but missed narrowly.

The penalty shootout was a heartbreaking climax for Nigeria. Both teams missed two of their first five kicks, Calvin Bassey and Simon Moses failed to convert for Nigeria, while Jerome Akor, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Chidera Ejuke scored. 

Defender Semi Ajayi saw his penalty saved, and DR Congo capitalized on their next kick to secure qualification for the Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico.

Moments after DR Congo ended Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup dreams in a dramatic penalty shootout, the Black Stars posted a picture of Bournemouth’s star Antoine Semenyo wearing a customised shirt with ‘Qualified’ inscribed on it, an unmistakable jab aimed at their regional rivals.

The Black Stars’ social media taunt added salt to the wound for Nigerian fans, highlighting the bitter rivalry and the unbearable agony of Nigeria’s narrow exit from World Cup contention.