Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have returned to the country ahead of Tuesday’s crucial second-leg encounter against DR Congo in the second round of the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Nigeria U-23 team landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, on Sunday following their trip to Lubumbashi, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat in Friday’s first-leg encounter at the TP Mazembe Stadium.
The team will travel by road from Lagos to their hotel in Ijebu Ode, where they will continue preparations for Tuesday’s decisive clash against the Congolese side at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The Olympic Eagles have a difficult task ahead after failing to secure a positive result in the first leg, with two first-half goals giving DR Congo a significant advantage in the tie.
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Nigeria made a promising start to the encounter and came close to taking the lead through Victor Samuel, who missed a golden one-on-one opportunity early in the game.
However, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 15th minute in controversial circumstances after goalkeeper Samuel James was penalised for holding onto the ball for more than eight seconds, resulting in a corner kick for DR Congo.
The resulting corner was played short before Josué Kimboma delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area. James attempted to claim the ball but was pushed and lost possession, with his desperate effort to recover proving unsuccessful as the ball crossed the goal line.
Nigeria’s problems worsened when winger Zadok Yohanna picked up an injury and was forced off the pitch, dealing another setback to the visitors.
DR Congo doubled their advantage in the 35th minute through another set-piece opportunity. Kimboma delivered a free-kick into the box, which the Olympic Eagles failed to clear, allowing Filozofe Mabete to finish at the back post and give the hosts a 2-0 lead before half-time.
The Nigerian side pushed for a response after the break but struggled to break down DR Congo’s defensive organisation. Their best opportunity came from a powerful free-kick that went wide, while substitute Candidat Mapendo missed a chance to extend the hosts’ advantage at the other end.
The result leaves the Olympic Eagles with plenty of work to do in Tuesday’s return fixture, as they must produce a much-improved performance to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nigeria will need to win by at least three goals to overturn the deficit and secure qualification to the final round. A two-goal victory would take the tie into a penalty shootout, while DR Congo will progress with a draw or a victory.
With home advantage on their side, the Olympic Eagles will be hoping to rally in front of their supporters in Ikenne and keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt alive.
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