Nigeria U23s face must-win second leg after DR Congo defeat

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have left Lubumbashi needing a major turnaround after losing 2-0 to DR Congo in the first leg of their 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie.

The defeat at Stade TP Mazembe on Friday leaves Nigeria with a two-goal deficit to overturn when the sides meet again in the return fixture.

DR Congo took the lead in the 15th minute through Filozofe Mambete. Nigeria’s players disputed the circumstances surrounding the decision, adding to their frustration as the hosts moved ahead.

Mambete doubled DR Congo’s advantage in the 36th minute, giving the home side a commanding lead before the interval.

Nigeria created opportunities during the match but were unable to turn them into goals. Their problems were compounded by an injury to winger Zadok Yohanna, who had to leave the field during the encounter.

The second leg will take place on Tuesday, 17 November, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. The Olympic Eagles must produce a substantially improved display if they are to remain in contention for the final qualifying round.

A two-goal victory for Nigeria would leave the tie level on aggregate and send it to a penalty shootout. Winning by three or more goals would secure qualification without penalties.

DR Congo will progress with a draw or a victory in the second leg.

The two-match tie forms part of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Egypt. That tournament will also determine Africa’s route to the men’s football competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Nigeria are seeking a return to the Olympics after missing the past two editions. The country won gold in the men’s football competition at Atlanta 1996.

The Olympic Eagles must therefore respond in Ikenne to keep both their continental campaign and hopes of reaching the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games alive.