According to a report by Daily Post on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Ugandan referee Duula Joshua has been appointed to officiate the first leg of the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations second-round qualifying encounter between the Olympic Eagles of Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Joshua will take charge of the crucial fixture scheduled to take place at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13.

The Ugandan official will be supported by two compatriots, Brianson Musisi and Katerega Ashiraf, who have been named as the first and second assistant referees, respectively.

William Oloya, also from Uganda, has been selected as the fourth official for the encounter, making it an entirely Ugandan officiating team for the match.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed officials from the Central African Republic to oversee other administrative and technical responsibilities during the qualifying fixture.

Jean Marie Koyakobo will serve as the match commissioner, while Alain Brice Letokouzou has been assigned the role of referee assessor.

The appointment comes as both countries prepare for a two-legged contest that will determine which team progresses further in the qualification campaign for the 2027 U-23 AFCON.

Nigeria will travel to Lubumbashi for the opening encounter before returning home for the decisive second leg.

The Olympic Eagles are scheduled to welcome their Congolese counterparts to the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday, November 17.

Playing the return fixture on home soil will give the Nigerian side an opportunity to settle the contest in front of their supporters.

However, the team will first need to negotiate a difficult away assignment against a DR Congo side determined to secure a positive result before travelling to Nigeria.

The two matches will be important in determining the Olympic Eagles' progress towards the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.