DR Congo staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in the African playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a spot in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March.

The thrilling match, held at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, kicked off at 8 p.m. local time and delivered all the tension expected from such a high-stakes encounter.

Nigeria started brightly, taking an early 1–0 lead through Frank Onyeka in the 3rd minute. However, DR Congo grew into the game and found an equaliser in the 32nd minute, courtesy of Mechak Elia, who capitalised on a defensive lapse.

Both teams pushed hard for a winner, with Nigeria denied twice by excellent goalkeeping and DR Congo coming agonisingly close in the 88th minute when a header rattled the crossbar.

After a goalless extra time, the match headed to penalties. Congolese goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu became the hero of the night, saving two crucial spot-kicks to keep DR Congo’s World Cup hopes alive.

The Congolese players erupted in celebration at the final whistle, knowing they are now one step closer to a historic World Cup qualification.

For Nigeria, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to their campaign, as missed opportunities and key moments slipped through their grasp.

DR Congo will now turn their focus to the intercontinental playoff in March, where a World Cup spot will be on the line.

Four African teams have officially booked their places in the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, marking one of the continent’s strongest collective performances in recent youth tournaments.

The latest qualification update comes after Saturday’s final group-stage fixtures, which concluded with decisive wins for several African sides.

According to the tournament schedule, the knockout stage is set to begin on Tuesday, November 18, with global attention now shifting to the next phase of the competition.

Uganda, Burkina Faso, Morocco, and Mali have all secured their places in the crucial knockout round, continuing a trend of rising African dominance at youth-level football.

The qualification of four teams also reinforces Africa’s growing pedigree in the U-17 category, historically dominated by Nigeria and Ghana, but now increasingly featuring emerging football nations.

Uganda and Burkina Faso sealed their advancement with dramatic victories against heavyweight opponents.

Burkina Faso defeated Germany in a thrilling encounter that showcased the resilience and tactical maturity of the West African side.

Uganda pulled off another major shock by beating Senegal in a fierce all-African contest that displayed high technical quality and determination.

Morocco and Mali, two teams with rich youth football traditions, progressed with disciplined performances, having maintained consistency throughout the group stage.

Morocco’s qualification continues the country’s remarkable rise in international football, following the senior team’s historic semi-final appearance at the FIFA 2022 World Cup. Mali, meanwhile, remains one of Africa’s most successful youth sides, having reached multiple semi-finals in past editions of the U-17 World Cup.

Beyond Africa’s impressive outing, several global football giants also advanced. England, Italy, and Japan secured their passage with comfortable wins in their final group games.

These victories reaffirm the competitive nature of this year’s tournament, as European and Asian contenders seek to challenge the emerging African momentum.

In one of the tightest matches of the round, Korea DPR edged out Venezuela to claim a precious knockout slot.

Uzbekistan also survived a tense contest against Croatia, clinching qualification after a penalty shootout that kept fans on edge until the final kick.

The upcoming Round of 16 promises explosive clashes as newly confident African teams prepare to test their strength against some of the strongest youth squads from Europe, Asia, and South America.

With history showing that African U-17 teams often produce major upsets, expectations are high that at least one team could go deep into the tournament.

As fans await the full match schedule for the knockout phase, excitement continues to build around Africa’s impressive collective run, with hopes rising that this edition in Qatar could deliver one of the continent’s most memorable youth football campaigns.

(DDM) – Fresh reports from Turkey suggest that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has personally encouraged his national teammate, Ademola Lookman, to make a sensational switch to Galatasaray in 2026.

Diaspora Digital Media DDM gathered that Turkish sports analyst Zeki Uzundurukan disclosed the development while speaking on Habersarikirmizi, noting that both players held the private conversation during Nigeria’s 4–1 World Cup playoff victory over Gabon in Morocco.

Uzundurukan narrated that Osimhen had taken the opportunity to speak with Lookman shortly after the match, encouraging him to consider a move to the Turkish champions, who have been tracking the Atalanta star for more than a year.

He claimed that Osimhen not only pushed Lookman toward the transfer but also shared information about the club, its ambitions, and the growing number of elite African players in the Turkish Super Lig.

The commentator stressed that Lookman himself is open to the transfer and is eager to embrace a new chapter away from Serie A, after a failed exit attempt last summer.

Galatasaray have been monitoring Lookman since the previous transfer window, when Atalanta refused to sanction his move following a strong individual season in Italy.

The Turkish giants, however, are expected to return with a stronger offer in January and again during the 2026 window, depending on Atalanta’s position.

Uzundurukan revealed that Lookman’s estimated annual salary demand sits at around €8 million, a figure Galatasaray are reportedly willing to negotiate as part of a long-term offensive rebuild.

The Turkish club have been aggressively scouting forwards who can strengthen their Champions League campaign and maintain their domestic dominance.

Osimhen’s direct involvement in the discussions has added further momentum to the rumours, especially as the Napoli striker maintains close ties with Turkish football circles through agents and personal connections.

Football insiders believe Osimhen’s influence could play a decisive role, given his rising profile in European football and his ability to sway fellow Nigerian internationals toward attractive career moves.

Nigeria’s 4–1 victory over Gabon, which secured their qualification for the next phase and set up a clash with DR Congo, provided the perfect setting for the forward-to-forward conversation.

Lookman, who scored crucial goals for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON, has continued to attract interest from top clubs due to his versatility, quick decision-making, and consistency for both club and country.

Reports in Turkey suggest that Galatasaray are now weighing their options ahead of a renewed approach, with Lookman’s camp reportedly open to further negotiations before the year ends.

If the move materializes, it could become one of the most significant Super Eagles-influenced transfers into the Turkish league in recent years, signalling a new wave of Nigerian stars heading to Istanbul.

For now, both clubs and the players remain silent, but Uzundurukan insists that discussions are active and could intensify after Nigeria’s next match against DR Congo.