DR Congo U23 take two-goal lead over Nigeria in Olympic qualifying

DR Congo U23 secured a 2-0 home victory over Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles in the first leg of their U-23 AFCON qualifying tie, putting themselves in a strong position before next Tuesday’s return fixture.

The match was played behind closed doors at the TP Mazembe Stadium, where the hosts took control before half-time and held on to their advantage in the second period.

DR Congo went ahead after a controversial incident in Nigeria’s penalty area resulted in an own goal involving Olympic Eagles captain and goalkeeper Samuel James.

Nigeria’s evening became more difficult around the half-hour mark when Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna was forced to leave the pitch with an injury.

His departure disrupted the visitors’ attacking plans, and Nigeria struggled to create a response as the Congolese side maintained their intensity.

DR Congo doubled their lead in the 40th minute with a well-executed free-kick, giving the hosts a 2-0 advantage at the interval.

Nigeria improved defensively after the break and stopped DR Congo from adding to their total. However, the Olympic Eagles were unable to score themselves, leaving them with a considerable deficit to overturn in the second leg.

Nigeria face uphill task in return fixture

The second match will take place on Tuesday, 17 November, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Nigeria must win by at least two goals to keep their hopes of reaching the final qualifying round alive. The Olympic Eagles will need to overturn the deficit after failing to find the net in the opening game.

The winner of the two-legged tie will progress to face either Burkina Faso or Sierra Leone in the next round.

The 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt will also act as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the men’s football competition at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.