Daniel Daga to miss Nigeria’s crucial U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Nigeria will be without midfielder Daniel Daga for Tuesday’s decisive 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against DR Congo after his club, Molde FK, requested his return.

The 19-year-old is unavailable for the second leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, leaving the Olympic Eagles with another major selection problem after forward Zadok Yohanna was ruled out through injury.

Yohanna was forced to leave the pitch during Nigeria’s 2-0 first-leg defeat in Lubumbashi on Friday. The Brighton & Hove Albion forward has since returned to England for further medical assessment and treatment.

Both Daga and Yohanna played in the opening match, and their absence leaves Nigeria’s coaching crew needing to reshape both its midfield and attacking options for the return fixture.

Nigeria must overturn a two-goal deficit to remain in contention for a place at the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt. The Olympic Eagles need to win by at least three clear goals to reach the final qualifying round.

The winners of the tie will face either Burkina Faso or Zambia in the final qualifying round.

The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The tournament in Egypt will also act as the African qualifying competition for the men’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.