Nigeria will be without midfielder Daniel Daga for Tuesday’s decisive second-leg meeting with DR Congo in the second round of the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Daga has returned to Norwegian club Molde FK after the club formally requested his release, according to reports. His absence is a significant blow for the U-23 Eagles, who must overturn a 2-0 deficit from Friday’s first leg in Lubumbashi.
The midfielder will not be the only absentee for the return match in Ikenne. Zadok Yohanna has also been ruled out after suffering an injury.
Nigeria’s squad returned to the country on Sunday afternoon, arriving at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. The team will travel to its base in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where it is scheduled to hold its first training session before the match.
The U-23 Eagles will be led by Bright Ozebagbe for the second leg, with head coach Eric Chelle currently with the Super Eagles.
Nigeria must win by at least three goals on Tuesday, November 17, to progress to the final qualifying round for the U23 AFCON in Egypt. The tournament will also serve as the qualifying competition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
DR Congo hold the advantage after securing a 2-0 victory in Lubumbashi on Friday, leaving Nigeria with little margin for error in the return fixture.