A goalkeeping error and a second goal before half time leave Nigeria needing to overturn a two goal deficit in Ikenne on Tuesday.
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Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles lost 2-0 to DR Congo in the first leg of their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations second-round qualifier in Lubumbashi on Friday, as FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports. The result leaves them with a big task in the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17.
The hosts led in the 15th minute through an own goal credited to Nigeria goalkeeper and captain Samuel James, who failed to claim a cross. Vanguard says James appeared to have been fouled by a Congolese player as he went for the ball, but the referee allowed the goal.
Filozofe Mabete doubled the lead in the 35th minute after Nigeria failed to clear their lines. Mabete had also scored in DR Congo’s 2-0 win over Mauritania in the previous round. New Bet9ja users can look up YOHAIG promo for Bet9ja players.
It was Nigeria’s first competitive game of the campaign after a first round bye, while DR Congo overturned a 1-0 first leg loss to Mauritania. Nigeria played without head coach Éric Chelle, who was with the Super Eagles in Uyo, and assistants Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe oversaw the team.
The winner over two legs will face Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso in the final qualifying round in March 2027. The 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt also serves as the pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The result adds to a worrying recent history. Nigeria failed to qualify from the last U-23 AFCON qualifiers for the tournament in Morocco, which cost them a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics. They last played at the U-23 AFCON in 2019, where they went out in the group stage, and Pulse warned they are now on the verge of missing a third straight Olympic tournament. Readers curious about betting offers can read this Bet9ja referral code overview.
James, who plays for SJK in Finland, was one of three goalkeepers in the squad alongside Clinton Andy and Michael Atata. Molde midfielder Daniel Daga and Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna were also in the group.
Tuesday is a busy day for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles play Tanzania in Zanzibar at 2:00pm WAT, while the Olympic Eagles host the second leg in Ikenne.
Can Ortega and Ozebagbe find a way to score three goals at home against a side that defended well in Lubumbashi? The task is steep, but the tie is not over. Fans can also see the Bet9ja bonus guide.
Nigeria must now score early and stay disciplined in Ikenne.
📌 Did You Know?
- DR Congo are coached by Guy Bukasa.
- DR Congo lost 1-0 at Mauritania on September 28, then won 2-0 in Lubumbashi on October 6 through goals from Mabete and Candidat Mapendo.
- Nigeria’s other goalkeepers in the squad were Clinton Andy of Rivers United and Michael Atata of Ikorodu City.
- Nigeria’s only U-23 AFCON title came in 2015 in Senegal, under coach Samson Siasia.
- The first leg was played at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.
