National Teams
“We did our best but it wasn’t enough” — Nwabali reflects on Super Eagles’ playoff defeat to DR Congo
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has expressed deep disappointment following Nigeria’s dramatic World Cup playoff loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo, saying the team gave everything but ultimately fell short on the decisive night.
Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup ended in Rabat after a tense 1–1 draw was followed by a sudden-death penalty shootout, with the Leopards prevailing to keep their bid for a second-ever World Cup appearance alive.
Nwabali delivered a composed performance throughout the encounter, including a crucial 53rd-minute save to deny a dangerous flick from a corner. Despite periods of sustained pressure from both sides, neither team could produce a winner in regulation or extra time.
The shootout saw both nations convert three of their initial five kicks. For Nigeria, Jerome Akor, Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke found the net, while Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their attempts.
In sudden death, Semi Ajayi’s effort was saved, allowing DR Congo to convert the next kick and clinch the playoff ticket to the Intercontinental Playoff in Mexico.
Reacting to the defeat, Nwabali admitted the players were devastated but insisted they took full responsibility.
“Painful! We all did our best for the badge though 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 Instagram.
The loss seals Nigeria’s absence from back-to-back World Cups for the first time since the team made its tournament debut in 1994, deepening frustrations among fans and heightening scrutiny on the national team setup.
