Nigeria U23 Eagles Trail DR Congo 2-0 At Half-Time After Conceding Twice

According to a report by Flashscore on Friday, November 13, 2026, Nigeria’s U23 national team, popularly known as the Olympic Eagles, are facing a difficult challenge after going into the half-time break trailing the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0 in their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying encounter.

The Nigerian team conceded twice in the opening 45 minutes, leaving themselves with a difficult task as they look to recover in the second half.

DR Congo took the lead following a controversial incident involving Nigeria’s captain and goalkeeper, Samuel James, with the Nigerian camp reportedly unhappy with the referee’s decision.

Things became even more difficult for the Olympic Eagles when Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna was forced off with an injury around the 30th minute, disrupting Nigeria’s plans.

The Congolese side subsequently doubled their advantage in the 40th minute through a free kick, ensuring they headed into the dressing room with a comfortable two-goal lead.

Nigeria must now produce a much-improved performance after the restart if they are to reduce the deficit and give themselves a better chance of progressing in the qualification campaign.

The encounter is the first leg of the second-round qualifying tie for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Egypt. The competition also serves as a qualification pathway for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, where the Olympic Eagles will have another opportunity to fight for qualification.

With two goals separating both sides at the break, Nigeria will need a strong response in the second half to keep their hopes of advancing alive.

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