LA 2028 Olympics Race: Olympic Eagles Face Uphill Battle After DR Congo Defeat

Posted : 14 November 2026

Nigeria’s hopes of advancing in the race for a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics suffered a setback after the Olympic Eagles fell 0-2 to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Friday’s first-leg CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Lubumbashi.

The defeat leaves the Nigerian U-23 side needing a significant turnaround in Tuesday’s return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, to remain in contention.

Despite creating promising opportunities early in the encounter, the Olympic Eagles failed to translate their attacking intentions into goals, allowing the hosts to gradually establish control.

DR Congo took the lead in the 15th minute through Filozofe Mambete, although the goal generated controversy over whether the ball had completely crossed the goal line.

Assistant referee Brianson Musisi reportedly indicated that the ball had not crossed the line, but centre referee Duula Joshua overruled the decision and awarded the goal.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 36th minute, with Mambete again credited after another contentious goalmouth scramble involving physical challenges and a disputed tackle.

Nigeria’s afternoon became more difficult when Zadok Yohanna suffered an injury in the 25th minute and was replaced by Umar Abdullahi.

The Olympic Eagles attempted to revive their challenge through tactical substitutions, with Victor Samuel replacing John Otomewo, Chibuzor Nwoko coming on for Wilfred George, and Emmanuel Ochobi replacing Emmanuel Godwin.

However, the changes failed to produce the desired breakthrough as DR Congo remained disciplined defensively to protect their two-goal advantage.

The Nigerian side also picked up two yellow cards, with Emmanuel Godwin cautioned in the 53rd minute and midfielder Daniel Daga booked in the 70th minute.

With the final whistle confirming Nigeria’s defeat, attention now shifts to Ikenne, where the Olympic Eagles must deliver a vastly improved performance to rescue their qualification campaign.

The Nigerian youngsters must score at least three unanswered goals in the return fixture to overturn the aggregate deficit and secure passage to the third round of the qualifiers.

Anything less could end their hopes of progressing in the competition, which serves as a pathway towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The return encounter is scheduled for Tuesday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo.

LA 2028 Olympics Race: Olympic Eagles Face Uphill Battle After DR Congo Defeat

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