The Congolese sealed the win in dramatic fashion as captain Chancel Mbemba slotted home the decisive kick, moments after substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu—brought on specifically for the shootout—produced two crucial saves.
Nigeria struck early when Frank Onyeka pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box in the third minute, firing home with the help of a slight deflection off Axel Tuanzebe. DR Congo responded in the 32nd minute, capitalising on a turnover in midfield before Cedric Bakambu squared for Meschack Elia to level the score.
Clear chances were scarce as both teams adopted a cautious approach, wary of the high stakes. DR Congo pushed harder as the match wore on, with Noah Sadiki going down in the area in the second half in what looked a strong penalty appeal, but the referee waved play on and no VAR review followed.
Nigeria, still worn from a gruelling extra-time semifinal win over Gabon, visibly tired late in the match. Extra time produced opportunities for both sides—Tolu Arokodare headed over for Nigeria, while Mbemba saw a last-gasp effort stopped by Stanley Nwabali.
The shootout ultimately separated the teams, sending DR Congo one step closer to what could be their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
With nine African teams—Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Tunisia—already qualified for the expanded 48-team finals, DR Congo will join the intercontinental playoff pool alongside Bolivia, New Caledonia, and additional entrants from Asia, CONCACAF and other regions once final qualifiers conclude this week.
The remaining inter-confederation playoff berths will be decided in March, offering two coveted tickets to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.