Zadok Yohanna ruled out as Nigeria face DR Congo in Olympic qualifying

Zadok Yohanna has withdrawn from Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles squad after suffering an injury in the team’s 2-0 defeat by DR Congo in the first leg of their 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifying tie.

The forward was making his first start for the Olympic Eagles in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, but was forced to leave the pitch around the half-hour mark.

According to reports, Yohanna was absent from Nigeria’s recovery session on Saturday. He is expected to travel from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to England for further medical assessment under the supervision of Brighton.

His departure ends his involvement in the current international window and leaves Nigeria with another fitness concern ahead of Tuesday’s second leg at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Nigeria must overturn a two-goal deficit after losing the opening match 2-0. They now require a strong attacking display to keep their qualification hopes alive, with the Olympic Eagles needing to score at least twice without conceding to take control of the tie.

The winner of the two-legged contest will progress to the final qualifying round, where they will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso for a place at the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt.

That competition will also determine Africa’s qualifiers for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Yohanna’s withdrawal is therefore a significant setback for Nigeria’s preparations. The Olympic Eagles must now identify another attacking option for a match they need to win if they are to remain in contention.