Nigeria’s U23 side lands in DR Congo

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have arrived in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, ahead of a two-legged qualifier that could take them a step closer to the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations and the 2028 Olympic Games.

The first leg against DR Congo will be played on Friday, November 13, at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. CAF lists the first leg for 13:00 GMT, which is 2pm Nigerian time. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Why the match matters

This is more than a normal qualifying tie for Nigeria.

The two teams are competing for a place in the next stage of qualification for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The tournament will also determine Africa’s representatives for the men’s football competition at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Nigeria have not qualified for the men's Olympic football tournament since the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, where the Olympic Eagles won bronze. They missed both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, making this qualification campaign an important opportunity to return to the Olympic stage. (Punch Newspapers)

Where and when they will play

The first meeting will take place at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Friday.

Nigeria will then have home advantage when the teams meet again at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on November 17. The winner over the two legs will advance to the final qualifying round for the U-23 AFCON. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Nigeria's 23-man squad has now assembled in Lubumbashi, with the team also training at the stadium ahead of the match. The squad contains players from both Nigerian clubs and teams abroad. (ACLSports)

What Nigeria needs from the first leg

The main objective for Nigeria is to return home with the tie still firmly in their hands.

A win in Lubumbashi would give the Olympic Eagles an obvious advantage before the second leg. A draw would also leave the qualification battle open for the home match in Ikenne.

Even if Nigeria lose, avoiding a heavy defeat would be important because the entire tie is decided over the two matches. The team therefore needs to stay organised, defend carefully and take its chances when they come.

The Olympic Eagles will also have to cope without head coach Éric Chelle on the touchline. His senior-team responsibilities mean his assistants are expected to oversee the U-23 side during the two legs. (Punch Newspapers)

For Nigeria, the route back to Olympic football begins in Lubumbashi. A strong first-leg performance would put the Olympic Eagles in a better position before the decisive return match in Ikenne.