LA 2028 Olympics Race: Leopards of DR Congo devour Nigeria 2-0
Nigeria’s U23 boys lost 0-2 to their counterparts of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first leg of their CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Lubumbashi on Friday, leaving the Nigerian side with a difficult task ahead of the return fixture in Ikenne.
The Olympic Eagles made a promising start to the encounter, creating early scoring opportunities but failing to convert clear chances that could have given them an advantage. Their inability to capitalise on those opportunities proved costly as the hosts gradually took control of the contest. DR Congo opened the scoring in the 15th minute before doubling their advantage in the 36th minute, with both goals coming amid controversial circumstances.
The opening goal sparked controversy after assistant referee Brianson Musisi reportedly indicated that the ball had not crossed the goal line. However, centre referee Duula Joshua overruled the decision and awarded the goal to DR Congo, with Filozofe Mambete credited as the scorer.
The second goal was equally contentious, coming from a goalmouth scramble involving physical challenges and a disputed tackle. Mambete was again credited with the goal, giving the Congolese side a 2-0 advantage before the interval. A difficult day for the Olympic Eagles was further compounded by an injury to Zadok Yohanna, who was forced off in the 25th minute and replaced by Umar Abdullahi.
The Nigerian side made additional changes in an attempt to turn the game around, with Victor Samuel replacing John Otomewo, Chibuzor Nwoko coming on for Wilfred George, and Emmanuel Ochobi replacing Emmanuel Godwin. Godwin received a yellow card in the 53rd minute, while midfielder Daniel Daga was booked in the 70th minute. Despite making efforts to get back into the contest, the U23 boys struggled to find a breakthrough in the second half.
The hosts, meanwhile, maintained their defensive organisation to protect their two-goal lead until the final whistle. The defeat leaves Nigeria with a considerable challenge ahead of the return leg in Ikenne, where they must produce a strong performance to keep their qualification hopes alive. The U23 Eagles will need to score at least three unreplied goals to overturn the deficit and secure passage to the third round of the qualifiers.
The Olympic Eagles will need to improve significantly in the return encounter, particularly in front of goal, if they are to complete the comeback on home soil. The return leg takes place at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday.
