Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles face an uphill battle after falling 2-0 to DR Congo U23 in the first leg of their 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.

The Nigerian side struggled to contain their hosts, conceding twice to head into the break with a two-goal deficit.

The two goals came from set pieces. First goal was comtroversial as the Nigerian goalkeeper seemed to be fouled after catching the first time cross.

Samuel Jones was attributed for the first goal with an own goal in the 15th minute.

Filozofe Mabete doubled the lead for the host in the 35th minute.

The Olympic Eagles will need a determined return leg performance to get back into the contest and keep their hopes alive ahead of Tuesday’s rematch at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Meanwhile, Nigeria suffered another setback when Zadok Yohanna picked up an injury in the 30th minute and was forced off the pitch.

The visitors must regroup and produce a stronger response as they seek to reduce the deficit and give themselves a chance of turning the tie around on home soil.