Sports
U-23 AFCONQ: Olympic Eagles stumble as DR Congo hand Nigeria 2-0 defeat
Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2027 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations suffered a setback on Friday as the Olympic Eagles lost 2-0 to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the first leg of their second-round qualifying tie.
The Nigerian team, coached by Ikorodu City manager Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and former Nigeria U-20 assistant coach Deniran Ortega, failed to take advantage of their early scoring opportunities as the hosts secured a two-goal victory.
The defeat leaves Nigeria with work to do in the return leg as they seek to keep their hopes of qualifying for the continental competition alive.
Ozebagbe and Ortega took charge of the team in the absence of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who was busy overseeing preparations for Nigeria’s senior national team ahead of their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.
Nigeria started brightly and nearly took the lead in the fourth minute when Victor Samuel’s effort missed the target.
The midfielder had another opportunity five minutes later after finding himself one-on-one with the DR Congo goalkeeper but failed to convert.
The missed chances proved costly as DR Congo took the lead in the 20th minute in controversial circumstances.
Nigeria goalkeeper Samuel James appeared to have been fouled by a Congolese player while attempting to collect an aerial ball during the build-up to the opening goal. However, the referee allowed the goal to stand.
The Olympic Eagles suffered another setback in the 30th minute when Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna was forced off with an injury.
DR Congo doubled their advantage five minutes before the break through Felozefe Mabete, who produced an impressive free-kick to put the hosts firmly in control.
Despite their attempts to find a way back into the contest after the restart, Nigeria could not break down the Congolese defence, with the hosts protecting their two-goal advantage until the final whistle.
The result leaves the Olympic Eagles with a difficult task in the second leg, as they must overturn the deficit to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nigeria will host DR Congo in the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium on Tuesday, where they will seek to secure an aggregate victory and advance to the final qualifying round.
The Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations also serves as the qualification pathway for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Spanish Federation slams goalkeeper Owono with 12-match ban after Tenerife Striker’s death
2027: Tension in Abuja as residents throw stones at Tinubu’s convoy, Chant ‘Bamayi’
Tinubu flags off construction of $3.5bn Bakassi Deep Seaport in Cross River
JUST IN: Tinubu orders security agencies to crush political thuggery ahead of 2027 elections
AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Arokodare fires Super Eagles to 3-1 victory over Tanzania
Gov Zulum announces N50,000 support for soldiers deployed to Borno communities
U-23 AFCONQ: Olympic Eagles stumble as DR Congo hand Nigeria 2-0 defeat
Nigerian Navy releases 2026 batch 39 recruitment shortlist, announces exam date
‘Obi Disrespected Nigeria’s National Anthem, He Must Not Become President’ — Wike
‘We May Be Rivals or Collaborators’ — Makinde opens door to alliance with Atiku, Obi
2027: ‘My presidential ambition may have created rift between Tinubu and me’ – Makinde
‘I do not have cancer’ – Blessing CEO confesses to faking illness to get money
JUST IN: Man United confirm Mauricio Pochettino as new head coach
‘We received a phone call from Buhari’s grave to vote Atiku’ — Solomon Dalung
Kidnappers demand N500m ransom for abducted FUNAAB graduate, three others in Ogun
‘You are a criminal, why are you running?’ — Protester shouts at INEC Chairman in Chatham, UK [Video]
Six UNN Students found dead in apartment a day after graduation
NDC crisis deepens as deputy national publicity secretary Abdulsalami resigns
Nollywood actor Justin UG enlist in US Air Force (Photos)
2027: INEC may take action on ADC next week – Mohammed Haruna
‘We received a phone call from Buhari’s grave to vote Atiku’ — Solomon Dalung
Nigerian Navy destroys two illegal refining sites in Rivers, recovers 53,000 litres of petroleum products
2027: Tension in Abuja as residents throw stones at Tinubu’s convoy, Chant ‘Bamayi’
ADC Crisis: INEC will abide by Court ruling on Atiku’s 2027 presidential ambition
Thugs storm Peter Obi’s NDC town hall meeting, attack supporters in Lagos
2027: “We need to complete what we started, please vote for us” — Tinubu begs Edo residents
Tinubu misses COP31 world leaders’ summit for third consecutive year
INEC begins distribution of election materials ahead of 2027 general polls
JUST IN: Man United confirm Mauricio Pochettino as new head coach
