Olympic Eagles lose 2-0 to DR Congo in U-23 AFCON qualifier first leg

Nigeria's Olympic Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of their second-round qualifier for the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match
In Lubumbashi on Friday, 13 November 2026, Nigeria started brightly, with midfielder Victor Samuel shooting narrowly wide early on and missing a one-on-one chance soon after. The hosts took the lead inside 20 minutes with a goal that Nigeria felt should have been ruled out for a challenge on goalkeeper Samuel James. Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna was then forced off injured on the half-hour, and DR Congo doubled their lead five minutes before half-time.
Who was in charge
The team was led by Ikorodu City coach Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and former U-20 assistant coach Deniran Ortega, while Eric Chelle was with the Super Eagles, who beat Tanzania 3-1 on the same day.
What happens next
Nigeria will need to overturn the two-goal deficit in the return leg at home to reach the tournament.
Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna, who was making his first start for the U-23 side, has been ruled out of the return leg with the injury he picked up in Lubumbashi.
- Nigeria lost 2-0 in Lubumbashi.
- The first goal was controversial.
- Zadok Yohanna went off injured.
