The Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed the TP Mazembe Stadium as the venue for their first-leg encounter against Nigeria in the second round of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Congolese Football Association (FECOFA) announced that the match will be played on November 13, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time.

The fixture is an important contest for both countries as they pursue qualification for the U23 AFCON, a competition that also serves as a pathway towards the Olympic Games.

DR Congo banks on home advantage

Head coach Guy Bukasa and his players will return to the TP Mazembe Stadium, where they previously recorded an emphatic victory over Mauritania.

The choice of venue gives DR Congo the opportunity to begin the two-legged contest on home soil, with the team expected to seek an advantage before travelling for the return fixture in Nigeria.

Playing in familiar surroundings could prove important for the Congolese side as they attempt to progress beyond the second qualifying round.

However, Nigeria will be determined to frustrate the hosts and secure a result that would keep their qualification hopes firmly on course ahead of the decisive second leg.

Nigeria targets positive away result

Nigeria will be looking to deliver a strong performance in the first leg to improve their chances of advancing in the competition.

A positive result in DR Congo would provide the Nigerian side with a platform to approach the return fixture with greater confidence, while avoiding a significant deficit would be crucial to their ambitions.

The encounter is expected to test both teams’ tactical organisation and ability to handle the pressure associated with a two-legged qualifying tie.

With a place in the next round at stake, Nigeria must balance their attacking ambitions with defensive discipline, particularly against a home side seeking to make the most of its familiar surroundings.

Two-legged tie to determine next round qualification

The outcome of the contest will be determined by the aggregate score across the two legs, with the winner advancing to the next stage of the U23 AFCON qualifying competition.

The return fixture in Nigeria will provide the home side with an opportunity to respond to the outcome of the opening encounter.

The U23 AFCON qualification campaign is particularly significant because of the competition’s connection to the Olympic Games, making progression an important objective for both national teams.

Nigeria will therefore hope to navigate the challenge in DR Congo successfully and keep their ambitions of reaching the continental tournament, and potentially the Olympics, alive.

However, the teams must first settle their two-legged encounter before either can advance to the next stage.