“Unacceptable!” – Friday Ekpo slams Super Eagles after DR Congo defeat
Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo has been left in denial following the Super Eagles’ defeat to D.R. Congo in the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reacting to the defeat, the 56-year-old slammed the team for letting Nigerians down.
Nigeria went into the game on Sunday full of confidence after overcoming Gabon 4-1 after extra time in the semi-final.
However, facing a D.R. Congo side that defends very well, the Super Eagles failed to play their game.
Despite scoring first, the Super Eagles were dominated in the 90 minutes plus extra time, and eventually lost 4-3 on penalties.
Speaking in a post-match interview, Friday Ekpo expressed his disbelief, stressing that he cannot accept that Nigeria won’t be playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It’s difficult for me to believe that the Super Eagles failed to beat DR Congo.
“My expectations were high because I was confident Nigeria would pick the sole ticket for Africa. The team failed to control the game, and they paid dearly for it via the penalty shootouts.
“I am really not happy at the moment; I just can’t accept the fact that Nigeria won’t be playing at the 2026 World Cup,” he told completesports.com.
Following the shootout victory over Nigeria, D.R. Congo will now compete in the inter-continental playoff next year, in hopes of picking a 10th African ticket to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
