Nigeria’s U-23 national team will take on the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a two-legged encounter as the second round of qualification for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations gets underway.
The first leg is scheduled for November 13 at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, with the return match set for November 17 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Nigeria, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced.
Nigeria have named a 23-player squad for the tie, featuring midfielder Daniel Daga, goalkeeper Michael Atata and forward Zadok Yohanna. The team is seeking to advance after missing the last two editions of the Olympic Games football tournament.
DR Congo, coached by Guy Bukasa, has selected 26 players for the encounter. The team will be without Faveurdi Bongeli, Messy Manitu and Yohan Mboko, who are unavailable due to injuries.
The second round features 27 teams competing for 14 places in the third and final qualifying round, scheduled for March 2027. Equatorial Guinea's withdrawal has allowed Niger to advance automatically, leaving 13 ties to be decided on the pitch.
The 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Egypt and will feature eight teams. The tournament will also determine Africa's representatives in the men's football competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Nigeria won Olympic men's football gold in 1996, while DR Congo is seeking to reach the continental finals and strengthen their prospects of returning to the Olympic stage.
