Nigeria’s U-23 men’s national team, the Olympic Eagles, lost 2-0 to DR Congo in the first leg of their Olympic qualifier match. The game took place at a neutral venue in Kinshasa. Nigeria’s defense struggled to contain DR Congo’s attacking momentum, allowing two goals in the second half. The result leaves Nigeria’s Olympic hopes in jeopardy as the second leg is set for next month.
The match saw Nigeria’s midfield lack cohesion, while DR Congo’s forwards capitalized on defensive errors. The team’s coach, who has been under pressure following recent poor performances, admitted the team was unprepared for the physicality of the opponent. Nigeria’s goalless streak in the second half highlighted a lack of creativity in attack.
Nigeria’s Olympic campaign has been marked by inconsistency. The team failed to qualify for the last two African Nations Championships and has struggled to secure top positions in regional tournaments. This loss adds to growing concerns about the team’s readiness for high-stakes competition. The second leg will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s fate in the Olympic qualifiers.
