Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie for the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, leaving them with a difficult task ahead of the return fixture.
The Nigerian team, coached by Ikorodu City manager Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and former Nigeria U-20 assistant coach Deniran Ortega, failed to capitalise on their early scoring opportunities as DR Congo established a two-goal advantage.
Nigeria started the encounter with attacking intent, with Victor Samuel coming close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute after his effort went wide.
The midfielder missed another opportunity five minutes later when he found himself one-on-one with the Congolese goalkeeper but could not convert.
The hosts took the lead in the 20th minute under controversial circumstances.
Nigeria goalkeeper Samuel James appeared to have been fouled by a DR Congo player while attempting to claim an aerial ball during the build-up, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.
The Olympic Eagles suffered another setback in the 30th minute when Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna was forced off the pitch due to an injury.
DR Congo increased their advantage shortly before half-time, with Felozefe Mabete scoring a superb free-kick in the 40th minute to put the hosts firmly in control of the encounter.
Nigeria attempted to reduce the deficit in the second half but struggled to penetrate the Congolese defence, as the hosts maintained their two-goal lead until the final whistle.
The defeat leaves the Olympic Eagles needing a strong response in the second leg to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nigeria will welcome DR Congo to the Remo Stars Stadium on Tuesday, where they must overturn the deficit to progress to the final qualifying round.
The Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations also serves as the qualification competition for the men’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
