Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles face an uphill task in their bid to reach the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo in the first leg of their second-round 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Lubumbashi on Friday.

The Nigerians must now overturn the deficit in the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Tuesday, November 17, to keep their hopes of reaching the final round alive.

The visitors started brightly at the TP Mazembe Stadium and created early chances through Victor Samuel, who missed a one-on-one opportunity. They failed to make their pressure count, and the hosts gradually took control.

DR Congo scored in the 15th minute after goalkeeper Samuel James held the ball for more than eight seconds, which led to a corner. The set-piece was played short before Josué Kimboma crossed into the box, where James was pushed and lost the ball before it crossed the line.

Filozofe Mabete doubled the lead in the 35th minute, finishing at the back post after the Nigerians failed to clear a Kimboma free-kick. The goal came from a scramble that involved physical challenges and a disputed tackle.

Nigeria’s afternoon was made worse when winger Zadok Yohanna limped off injured and was replaced by Umar Abdullahi. Coach changes followed in the second half, with Samuel replacing John Otomewo, Chibuzor Nwoko coming on for Wilfred George and Emmanuel Ochobi replacing Emmanuel Godwin. Godwin was booked in the 53rd minute, while midfielder Daniel Daga was cautioned in the 70th.

Nigeria’s best second-half effort was a powerful free-kick that went wide, while substitute Candidat Mapendo missed a chance to extend the hosts’ lead at the other end.

DR Congo now need only to avoid defeat in Ikenne to advance. The Olympic Eagles must win by at least two goals to keep their campaign alive, and anything less would end their hopes of featuring at next year’s tournament in Egypt.