U-23 AFCON Qualifiers: Nigeria’s Dream team to clash with DR Congo

Nigeria’s U23 team will face DR Congo in a two legged tie in November for a place in the next round of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

DR Congo advanced after recovering from a 1-0 defeat away to Mauritania. They won the second leg 2-0 to progress 2-1 on aggregate.

The result means they will now meet Nigeria in the next stage of the qualifiers.

Nigeria’s U23 team is coached by Eric Chelle, who will be hoping to get revenge against DR Congo after the country’s recent World Cup qualifying playoff defeat.

Nigeria lost that playoff on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The result ended the Super Eagles’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The latest development has also brought renewed attention to the eligibility of DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

According to The New York Times, FIFA found that Nigeria’s complaint over Mpasi did not meet the requirements for a nationality switch from France to DR Congo before he represented the country.

However, FIFA dismissed Nigeria’s appeal on technical grounds, reportedly because the complaint was filed late.

Nigeria will now have another opportunity to face DR Congo when both U23 teams meet in the November qualifiers.