Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles Need Comeback Against DR Congo to Keep U23 AFCON Hopes Alive

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles face an uphill task in their 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after losing 2-0 to DR Congo in the first leg of their second-round tie in Lubumbashi on Friday.

The defeat at the TP Mazembe Stadium leaves Nigeria needing a two-goal recovery in the return fixture to keep their hopes of reaching the final qualifying round alive.

DR Congo scored once in each half of the first-leg encounter, with Filozofe Mabete also finding the net as the hosts took control of the tie.

DR Congo take first-half advantage

Nigeria had early opportunities to take the lead, including a chance for Samuel Victor in the opening exchanges. However, the Olympic Eagles were unable to convert their openings.

DR Congo went ahead in the 20th minute through an own goal by Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Samuel James. The goal was disputed by the Nigerian side, with reports indicating that James appeared to have been impeded during the incident. The referee allowed the goal to stand.

Nigeria’s problems continued before half-time when the hosts doubled their advantage through Filozofe Mabete, who scored from a set-piece after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

The Congolese side therefore went into the break with a 2-0 lead.

Nigeria suffer injury setback

The Olympic Eagles also had to adjust after losing Zaddok Yohanna to injury. He was replaced by Abdullahi Umar as Nigeria sought to reorganise.

The team had prepared with a group of home-based players, but none of the eight players from that group featured in the starting line-up, according to the match reports.

Goalkeeper Samuel James started and wore the captain’s armband. Daniel Daga also returned to national team duty after his involvement with Nigeria’s under-20 side, while Yohanna was handed a starting opportunity.

Ikorodu City coach Bright Ozebagbe was listed to take charge of the team in the absence of substantive head coach Eric Chelle. This followed earlier reports that Deniran Ortega would lead the squad.

image credit: TheNFF

Olympic Eagles face must-win return fixture

Nigeria pushed for a goal after the break and came close from a free-kick, but they could not reduce the deficit. DR Congo also threatened to extend their lead, although one effort went wide.

The hosts held on for a 2-0 victory, giving them a significant advantage ahead of the return leg.

The Olympic Eagles will host DR Congo at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday, November 17. Nigeria must overturn the two-goal deficit to advance to the final qualifying round of the 2027 U-23 AFCON.

The second leg now represents a crucial test of Nigeria’s ability to respond after a difficult first encounter. Their qualification hopes remain alive, but they will need a much stronger performance in front of their home supporters.