DR Congo Hand Nigeria U23 Eagles 2-0 Defeat As Olympic Hopes Suffer Setback

According to a report by Flashscore on Friday, November 13, 2026, Nigeria’s U23 team suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

The Olympic Eagles travelled to Lubumbashi hoping to secure a positive result, but their plans were disrupted after a difficult opening period in which the Congolese team took control of the encounter.

DR Congo got the breakthrough in the 15th minute through an unfortunate own goal credited to Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Samuel James. The early setback placed the visitors under pressure as they struggled to find their rhythm.

Nigeria’s situation became more complicated when Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna was forced to leave the field due to an injury around the 30th minute.

The hosts took advantage of Nigeria’s difficulties and extended their lead in the 35th minute, with Filozofe Mabete scoring from a free kick to make it 2-0.

The Nigerian side attempted to recover from the two-goal deficit but failed to produce the attacking quality needed to break down DR Congo’s defence. The hosts subsequently held on to their advantage until the final whistle.

The defeat represents a significant setback for the Olympic Eagles, who must now find a way to overturn the deficit in front of their home supporters.

Nigeria will welcome DR Congo to the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday, November 17, for the second leg.

With a two-goal disadvantage to overcome, the Nigerian team will need to win by at least three goals to qualify outright. A two-goal victory would send the contest to penalties.

The winner of the two-legged tie will progress to the final qualifying round of the 2027 U23 AFCON in Egypt, which also serves as the continental qualification tournament for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Olympic Eagles must now regroup quickly and deliver a much stronger performance if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

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