2027 U-23 AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria Draw DR Congo as Second Round Fixtures Confirmed

Posted : 07 October 2026

The race for qualification for the 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt has moved into its second round, with Nigeria set to face DR Congo in a two-legged tie. The Olympic Eagles received a bye into the second round based on their record in previous editions of the competition.

The first leg between Nigeria and DR Congo is scheduled for November 9, 2026, while the return fixture will take place on November 17. Nigeria will host the opening match before travelling for the decisive second leg in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

DR Congo secured its place in the second round after overturning a 1-0 first-leg defeat to Mauritania. The Congolese side won the return fixture 1-0 to level the tie before progressing 2-1 on aggregate after the decisive stages of the contest.

The second round features 14 two-legged ties. Zambia will face Burkina Faso, while Niger take on Equatorial Guinea and Ghana meet Libya. Gabon have been drawn against Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire will play Kenya, and Senegal face Djibouti.

Other second-round fixtures will see Morocco face Ethiopia, Cameroon meet Rwanda, South Africa take on Madagascar, Congo play Angola, Guinea face Botswana, Algeria meet Eswatini and Mali battle Zimbabwe. The first legs are all scheduled for November 9, with the return fixtures set for November 17.

The 14 winners from the second round will advance to the final qualifying round. Seven two-legged ties will then determine the teams that join hosts Egypt at the 2027 U-23 AFCON finals.

The final qualifying round is scheduled for March 22 and March 30, 2027. Egypt have already secured their place at the tournament as hosts, leaving seven qualification places to be decided through the qualifying campaign.

The 2027 U-23 AFCON will also have major significance for African football because it will serve as the continent's qualification route to the men's football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Nigeria have a strong Olympic pedigree, having won gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.

For Nigeria's Olympic Eagles, the immediate task is to overcome DR Congo across two legs. Victory would move the team one step closer to Egypt and a potential return to the Olympic stage.

2027 U-23 AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria Draw DR Congo as Second Round Fixtures Confirmed

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