The Digest:
Four-time world champions Italy have failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff final, extending the Azzurri's identity crisis. Nigeria, Africa's most consistent World Cup representative with six appearances since 1994, will also miss the tournament for the second straight cycle after falling to DR Congo on penalties. Denmark, Poland, and Cameroon complete the list of notable absentees, with each nation facing its own heartbreak and questions about direction.
Key Points:
- Italy misses third straight World Cup after playoff loss to Bosnia; Moise Kean's opener not enough.
- Nigeria fails to qualify for a second consecutive tournament after a penalty defeat to DR Congo.
- Denmark lost to the Czech Republic on penalties in the playoff semi-finals after a 2-2 draw.
- Poland fell to Sweden after fighting back twice, potentially ending Lewandowski's World Cup career.
- Cameroon, Africa's 1990 quarter-finalists, were eliminated by DR Congo in CAF qualifiers.
Sources: Premium Times, Complete Sports
