The DR Congo national football team have pulled off a dramatic result, beating the Nigeria national football team on penalties after a 1-1 draw to secure their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation play-offs. The crowning moment came under pressure, and one key figure for the Leopards was Axel Tuanzebe. The Burnley centre-back again proved his value internationally, and DR Congo now sit one crucial tie away from returning to football’s biggest stage.
In this blog on 96 APK, we break down every important detail, including match results, standings, player impact, and what comes next for DR Congo.
Match Report: Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo (3-4 on penalties)
Nigeria stormed ahead in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka, via a deflected cross that looped past the DR Congo defence. The visitors responded in the 32nd minute, when Meschack Elia converted after a quick transition from the Leopards. Nigeria’s momentum dipped thereafter.
The second half and extra time produced chances for both sides, but no further goals. Nigeria endured the blow of losing Victor Osimhen to injury at half-time, which disrupted their attacking rhythm. The penalty shootout proved decisive. DR Congo held their nerve, while Nigerian misses and two saves from DR Congo’s new-look keeper turned the tide. The Leopards climbed, sealed by captain Chancel Mbemba’s winning spot-kick.
With this win, DR Congo have advanced to the inter-confederation play-offs, keeping their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
Impact of Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe in the qualifier
Axel Tuanzebe has made 4 appearances for DR Congo, totalling 360 minutes. His defensive output has been impressive, averaging 0.8 tackles, 1 interception, and 7.6 clearances per 90 minutes in the 2025/26 World Cup Qualification CAF. The 28-year-old defender’s aerial strength, composure under pressure, and smart positioning have made him a key figure in DR Congo’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Though he missed the penalty against Nigeria in the penalty shoot, it did not impact his side, and he ended up on the winning side.
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Qualifying structure & DR Congo’s path:
DR Congo finished second in the CAF World Cup Qualifiers, securing 22 points from 10 matches with seven wins, one draw, and two losses. They ended just behind Senegal, who topped the group with 24 points to book their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
DR Congo finished as one of the four best runners-up and thus entered the play-off phase. In the play-off semi-final, DR Congo defeated the Cameroon national football team 1-0 goal by Mbemba) to advance to the final. In the final, they drew 1-1 with Nigeria, then won 4-3 on penalties.
For the Inter-confederation play-offs, the Bolivia national football team from CONMEBOL, the New Caledonia national football team from OFC and the DR Congo national football team from CAF have qualified. One more slot remains for a team from CONCACAF.
With this victory, DR Congo becomes the sole African team advancing to the inter-confederation playoff tournament scheduled for March 2026. If successful there, DR Congo would reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 1974 (when they were formerly Zaire). This win, therefore, is historic in implication. The triumph enhances DR Congo’s status, gives belief, and raises the profile of players like Tuanzebe, Mbemba and the rest of the defence-first core.
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Conclusion
The night in Rabat will live long in the memory of DR Congo fans. They held firm, showed composure under pressure and delivered when it mattered most. For Axel Tuanzebe, it was a defining international moment: starting a high-stakes match, playing through to penalties and being part of a unit that stifled one of Africa’s top attacks. The raw numbers may not yet be abundant for his national-team campaign, but the evidence of his value is clear.
As DR Congo prepare for the final step in their World Cup journey, the back-line, with Tuanzebe as a pillar, will be under the spotlight again. One win away from the inter-confederation play-offs, they are on the brink of history. Should they succeed, this match will be looked back on as the night the Leopards roared back onto the world stage.
FAQs
Q: What was the final result between DR Congo and Nigeria?
A: The match ended 1-1 after extra time; DR Congo won the penalty shootout 4-3 to advance.
Q: Did Axel Tuanzebe play in the match?
A: Yes, Tuanzebe started the match for DR Congo and played through to the shootout. His full minutes in that exact match are reported, though detailed defensive duels are not publicly broken down.
Q: What role did Tuanzebe play in DR Congo’s campaign?
A: He has earned 4 caps for DR Congo (360 minutes) since switching allegiance and has been deployed as a starter in key matches.
Q: What does the win mean for DR Congo’s World Cup hopes?
A: It means DR Congo has secured the CAF slot at the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026. Win that final step, and they reach the World Cup finals for the first time since 1974.
Q: When and where is the next step for DR Congo?
A: The inter-confederation play-offs are scheduled for March 2026, as part of the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (hosted by the USA, Canada & Mexico).
