The Nigeria national football team is the men's senior international team representing Nigeria, governed by the Nigeria Football Federation. A significant force in African football, the team is a three-time Africa Cup of Nations champion and a frequent participant in the FIFA World Cup.
This team's matches are notable due to Nigeria's strong historical record in continental and global competitions. Their consistent appearances at the highest level of international football make their fixtures, particularly in crucial qualifiers, events of major interest to fans and analysts.
Recently, the team has been in the news following a critical 2026 World Cup qualifying match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to various sports reports, DR Congo secured a surprising victory over Nigeria in a penalty shootout, a result that ended Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the upcoming World Cup.
The match garnered additional attention due to post-game allegations from the Nigerian camp, as reported by multiple outlets, which suggested unconventional tactics, referred to in headlines as "voodoo," were used by the opposition. The defeat has also prompted internal criticism from former players directed at the current squad's performance.
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- How Nigeria's 2026 World Cup hopes were ended by DR Congo on penalties amid ‘voodoo’ allegations - The Athletic - The New York Times 2025-11-17 16:33 · The New York Times
- Chelle Alleges DR Congo Used Voodoo in Penalty Shootout Defeat - Nigerian Bulletin 2025-11-17 15:22 · Nigerian Bulletin
- DR Congo Shock Nigeria On Penalties To Reach Inter‑Confederation Playoff - Outlook India 2025-11-17 15:09 · Outlook India
- Nigeria vs Congo Head to Head: Overall Stats, Records & Results - Sportsdunia 2025-11-17 08:59 · Sportsdunia
- Ikpeba Slams Iwobi for Congo Equaliser: "He Doesn't Want To Suffer" - Nigerian Bulletin 2025-11-17 06:56 · Nigerian Bulletin
- Super Eagles’ World Cup dreams dashed in defeat to Congo - The Sun Nigeria 2025-11-17 06:25 · The Sun Nigeria
- DR Congo Edge Nigeria on Penalties to Reach FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Playoff - Africa Top Sports 2025-11-17 06:24 · Africa Top Sports
- Breaking: Nigeria crash out as DR Congo win World Cup playoff on penalties - PM News Nigeria 2025-11-17 06:18 · PM News Nigeria
- Nigeria Vs Congo DR Highlights, FIFA WC African Qualifiers: Leopards Win Penalty Shootout As Super Eagles Crash Out - Outlook India 2025-11-17 06:17 · Outlook India
- FIFA World Cup Playoff Final: Nigeria Vs Congo Levels In First Half - Africa Top Sports 2025-11-17 03:58 · Africa Top Sports