Ghana Black Stars player Antoine Semenyo wearing a “Qualified” shirt celebrating World Cup progress
If heartbreak had a soundtrack, Nigerian fans are hearing it on repeat. Moments after the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dreams dissolved in a dramatic penalty shootout loss to DR Congo, Ghana’s Black Stars wasted no time twisting the knife.
In classic West African rivalry fashion, the Black Stars hopped onto social media and posted a picture of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo wearing a customised “Qualified” shirt — a not-so-subtle jab at their neighbours whose journey ended painfully short of the World Cup ticket.
And honestly? The timing was wickedly perfect.
It all unfolded under the bright lights of Rabat’s Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. The tension was thick, the stakes were sky-high, and Nigeria actually started like a team possessed.
Just three minutes in, Zaidu Sanusi delivered a sharp cross that eventually landed at Frank Onyeka’s feet, giving Nigeria an early — and hopeful — lead. DR Congo responded with their own moments of danger, but the Super Eagles looked up for it.
Then came the turning point.
Meshak Elia’s burst of speed left Ndidi chasing shadows as he slipped the ball past Nwabali, who had come on after Osimhen picked up an injury. From that moment forward, the match began to tilt.
But Nigeria still had chances — Tolu Arokodare’s header was inches away from glory, and Nwabali kept hope alive with several brilliant saves, especially deep into extra time.
Everything came down to penalties.
And that’s where the heartbreak truly settled in.
Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed theirs. Semi Ajayi watched his own penalty saved. And when DR Congo slotted home their final kick, Nigeria’s World Cup dream evaporated.
Barely minutes after the Super Eagles crashed out, the Black Stars posted Semenyo’s “Qualified” shirt — a digital grin aimed straight at Nigeria.
No caption needed.
No explanation required.
Just pure rivalry energy.
For Ghanaian fans, it was premium entertainment. For Nigerians? Salt in an already open wound.
West African football rivalry isn’t just on the pitch — it lives on social media, in banter groups, in watch-party rooms, and in every continental tournament.
And Ghana’s post is a reminder: when one falls, the other laughs loudly.
The road ends here for Nigeria — but the conversations, jokes, memes, and cross-border teasing? They’re only just beginning.
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