Nigeria face an uphill battle in the return leg after two first-half goals put the Congolese side in control of their 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifying tie.
Nigeria’s journey towards the 2027 U-23 AFCON finals has suffered an early setback after the Olympic Eagles failed to secure a positive result against DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium.
The Nigerian youngsters went into the encounter hoping to take an advantage into the return fixture, but two first-half goals from the hosts left them with a difficult task ahead of Tuesday’s decisive meeting in Ikenne.
The defeat means Nigeria must produce a much-improved performance on home soil if they are to keep their hopes of progressing to the next qualifying round alive.
Olympic Eagles miss early opportunities
Nigeria started the encounter with attacking intent and had opportunities to take the lead during the opening stages.
Victor Samuel came close to giving the visitors an early advantage, but his effort in the fourth minute failed to find the target.
The midfielder had another promising opportunity five minutes later when he found himself one-on-one with the DR Congo goalkeeper. However, he was unable to convert the chance.
Those missed opportunities would prove costly as the hosts gradually found their rhythm and began putting the Nigerian defence under pressure.
DR Congo eventually broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, giving the home side an important advantage.
The goal came amid concerns from the Nigerian side over a possible foul on goalkeeper Samuel James during the build-up, although the hosts were allowed to celebrate their opener.
DR Congo extend advantage before half-time
The Olympic Eagles attempted to respond after falling behind, but their efforts to restore parity were frustrated by the Congolese defence.
Nigeria’s problems increased when Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna was forced off with an injury around the half-hour mark, disrupting the team’s attacking plans.
DR Congo took advantage of the situation and doubled their lead five minutes before the interval.
Felozefe Mabete produced an impressive free-kick to make it 2-0, leaving Nigeria with a significant deficit to overcome before the second half.
The two-goal advantage gave the Congolese side greater confidence heading into the break, while the Olympic Eagles were left searching for a way back into the contest.
Nigeria fail to find a response
Nigeria needed a strong second-half performance to reduce the deficit and improve their chances ahead of the return fixture.
However, the Olympic Eagles struggled to find the breakthrough they desperately needed.
Despite their attempts to get back into the game, DR Congo remained organised and successfully protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The result handed the hosts a valuable 2-0 victory and placed them in a stronger position ahead of the second leg in Nigeria.
For the Olympic Eagles, the missed chances in the opening stages and inability to find the net ultimately made the difference.
Olympic Eagles face must-win return fixture in Ikenne
Nigeria will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The Olympic Eagles must overturn the two-goal deficit if they are to progress to the final qualifying round of the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
A more clinical attacking performance will be essential, particularly after the team failed to convert its early opportunities in Lubumbashi.
The coaching team, led by Bright Ozebagbe and Deniran Ortega in the absence of Eric Chelle, will also need to address the defensive and organisational problems exposed during the first encounter.
Chelle’s absence was due to his involvement with the senior Super Eagles, who were also scheduled to face Tanzania in their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
The return fixture is therefore a major test for the Olympic Eagles, who cannot afford another disappointing performance if they hope to remain in the competition.
Los Angeles 2028 Olympic dream at stake
Beyond the immediate battle against DR Congo, Nigeria have a bigger objective: returning to the men’s football tournament at the Olympic Games.
The 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt will also serve as Africa’s qualification pathway for the men’s football competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Nigeria have a proud history in Olympic football, winning gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.
However, the country missed the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 editions.
The current qualifying campaign therefore represents another opportunity for the Olympic Eagles to restore Nigeria’s presence on the Olympic football stage.
With a two-goal deficit to overturn, the youngsters must now rise to the occasion in Ikenne.
The challenge is difficult, but Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain alive heading into the return encounter.