Olympic Eagles Lose 2–0 to DR Congo, Face Two-Goal Deficit in Ikenne

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles must overturn a two-goal deficit in Ikenne on Tuesday after losing 2–0 to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of their 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, News About Nigeria reports.

Both goals came before half-time at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Friday.

Nigeria had chances to take the lead through Victor Samuel, but the midfielder failed to convert either opportunity.

DR Congo then went ahead and doubled their advantage before the interval. The Olympic Eagles were unable to pull a goal back in the second half.

Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and Deniran Ortega took charge of Nigeria in Lubumbashi. Éric Chelle was with the senior Super Eagles, who beat Tanzania 3–1 in a separate Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on the same day.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that the second leg will take place at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on 17 November.

Nigeria need to win by at least two goals to stay in contention for a place in the final qualifying round.

The Under-23 AFCON finals in Egypt will determine Africa’s representatives in the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.