Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations started on a worrying note on Friday afternoon as they lost to DR Congo in the first leg of the second round of qualification.

Ikorodu City’s head coach Bright Osehai Ozebagbe and former Nigeria’s U-20 team assistant coach Deniran Ortega took charge of the game in the absence of Eric Chelle, who is simultaneously engaged with the Super Eagles in a crucial AFCON qualifier against Tanzania.

The Olympic Eagles started the tie on a positive note as Victor Samuel’s attempt on goal went off target in the fourth minute. The midfielder missed another chance to give Nigeria the lead five minutes later after he was left one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

Nigeria paid for their early misses as the hosts took the lead in the 20th minute under controversial circumstances.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Samuel James appeared to have been fouled by a DR Congo player while attempting to hold on to a ball in the air in the build-up to the goal.

Brighton’s youngster Zadok Yohanna came off injured after 30 minutes as Nigeria tried to get back into the game before half-time.

However, it was the hosts who struck again to double their advantage after 40 minutes of play.

Felozefe Mabete scored from a sublime free-kick as DR Congo took a 2-0 advantage into the break, leaving their guests to do the chasing in the second half.

Nigeria’s attempt to get a lifeline goal or force a draw was futile as DR Congo held on to their advantage till the blast of the final whistle.

The Nigerian side will need to overturn the goals deficit and beat the Leopards on aggregate on penalties if the need arises to qualify for the final round of qualification.

Nigeria will take on DR Congo in the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium on Tuesday as they look to overcome the setback in the first leg and continue their dream of reaching the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which will serve as the qualifying tournament for the men’s football event at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. (The Guardian)