Nigeria U23 side, the Olympic Eagles, face a tough challenge after a 2-0 loss to DR Congo’s U23 side in the first leg of their U23 AFCON qualifying tie in Lubumbashi on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
In the absence of Eric Chelle, the substantive head coach of the side, Ikorodu City head coach Bright Ozebagbe was listed to take charge despite initial reports confirming Deniran Ortega as the man to lead the group. However, the team was beaten in the game decided at Stade TP Mazembe.
Despite weeks of preparation with the home-based lads, a starting XI without any of the eight who made the squad was sent out for the contest. Goalkeeper Samuel James, who made his debut against Russia last month, started between the sticks and was the captain of the day. Daniel Daga also returned to national team colours after his time with the U20s, while Zaddok Yohanna was handed a start for his first game since August.
Although Nigeria had two chances through Samuel Victor in the early exchanges, it was generally a tight contest between the two sides before Nigeria lost Yohanna to injury at the hour mark, and he was replaced by Abdullahi Umar. The substitution came after Nigeria had fallen behind to a controversial goal in the 20th minute.
Just five minutes before the break, the hosts doubled their lead through Filozofe Mabete from another set-piece following Nigeria’s failure to clear their lines. DR Congo took the two-goal lead into the break.
After the interval, Nigeria continued to push for a goal in the game as they went close from a free kick. At the other end, the hosts went close once more, but the attempt went wide. In the end, the hosts held on for a comfortable win ahead of the second leg.
Nigeria, in need of a comeback to qualify for the final U23 AFCON qualifying round, will host the Congolese side in the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday.
Image credit: DR Congo U23 Media
