Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to DR Congo in the first-leg of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying match in Lubumbashi on Friday.
DR Congo took control with two first-half goals from Filozofe Mambete in the 15th and 36th minutes, with both goals sparking controversies.
The assistant referee had ruled that Nigeria goalkeeper, Samuel James, had not crossed the line with the ball, but the decision was overruled by centre referee and the goal was added to the hosts.
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The hosts benefitted from another controversial decision again to double their lead after a goal mouth scramble that the Nigerian players protested.
The match became more difficult for Nigeria after forward Zadok Yohanna was forced off after picking an injury before the break.
Nigeria struggled to find a response after the break, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the return fixture.
The Olympic Eagles must score at least three unanswered goals when both sides meet again at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday to overturn the deficit and keep their Olympic qualification hopes alive.
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