Nigeria lose Daniel Daga for decisive DR Congo U-23 AFCON qualifier

Nigeria will be without midfielder Daniel Daga for Tuesday’s second-leg meeting with DR Congo in the second round of the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers.

Daga has returned to his Norwegian club, Molde FK, after the club made a formal request for his release. His absence is a significant blow for the U-23 Eagles, who must overturn a 2-0 deficit to keep their qualification hopes alive.

DR Congo took control of the tie by winning the first leg in Lubumbashi on Friday. The return match will be played in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17.

Nigeria will also be without Zadok Yohanna, who has been ruled out of the fixture because of injury.

The U-23 Eagles arrived back in Nigeria on Sunday afternoon, with the squad landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. They are due to travel to their base in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where they will hold their first training session before the second leg.

Bright Ozebagbe is leading the side in the absence of Eric Chelle, who is currently with the Super Eagles.

Nigeria must win by at least three goals in Ikenne to progress to the final qualifying round for the U23 AFCON in Egypt. The tournament will also serve as the qualifying competition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.