Olympic Eagles Face Uphill Task After DR Congo Defeat

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles face an uphill battle to keep their LA 2028 Olympic Games qualification hopes alive after suffering a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo in Friday’s first leg of their CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie in Lubumbashi.

The hosts scored twice in the first half through Filozofe Mambete, with both goals coming amid contentious decisions that left the Nigerian camp with plenty to question.

The Olympic Eagles started brightly, creating early opportunities but failing to convert their chances. DR Congo capitalised on Nigeria’s wastefulness to take the lead in the 15th minute.

The opening goal was disputed after assistant referee Brianson Musisi reportedly indicated that the ball had not crossed the goal line. Centre referee Duula Joshua, however, overruled the decision and awarded the goal to the hosts, with Mambete credited as the scorer.

Mambete struck again in the 36th minute following a goalmouth scramble involving physical challenges and another disputed incident, leaving Nigeria with a two-goal deficit at half-time.

Nigeria’s problems were compounded by an injury to Zadok Yohanna, who was forced off in the 25th minute and replaced by Umar Abdullahi.

The Olympic Eagles made further changes in the second half, bringing on Victor Samuel for John Otomewo, Chibuzor Nwoko for Wilfred George and Emmanuel Ochobi for Emmanuel Godwin.

Godwin and midfielder Daniel Daga were booked in the 53rd and 70th minutes respectively, but Nigeria could not find a way past the Congolese defence.

DR Congo held on to their advantage until the final whistle, leaving the Nigerian side needing a major response in Tuesday’s return leg at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.

The Olympic Eagles must win by at least three clear goals to overturn the 2-0 deficit and advance to the third round of the qualifiers.