Nigeria U23s return to Lagos needing comeback against DR Congo

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have arrived in Lagos ahead of Tuesday’s decisive U23 qualifier against DR Congo, carrying a 2-0 deficit from the first leg.

The squad returned to Nigeria on Sunday after travelling back from Lubumbashi, where DR Congo secured victory with two first-half goals in Friday’s opening meeting.

The team is expected to continue its journey by road from Lagos to its hotel in Ijebu Ode, where preparations will continue for the return fixture.

Nigeria must overturn the two-goal disadvantage at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17, if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The Olympic Eagles need to win by at least two goals without conceding to force the tie into a possible penalty shootout. A victory by three goals or more would send Nigeria through outright.

DR Congo’s first-leg success gives them a strong advantage, but Nigeria will have home support behind them as they attempt to produce the improved performance required to remain in contention.

The winner of the two-legged tie will progress to the final qualifying round, where they will meet either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso for a place at the 2027 U23 AFCON in Egypt.

Qualification is also significant because the tournament offers a route towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Nigeria therefore face the pressure of delivering a major turnaround when the teams meet again in Ikenne.