Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have suffered an injury setback ahead of their second-leg encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second qualifying round of the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, with forward Zadok Yohanna ruled out.

The 19-year-old Brighton winger sustained an injury during Nigeria’s first-leg defeat to DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, forcing him to leave the pitch before the end of the match.

Yohanna has since returned to England for further medical assessment and treatment, ending his involvement with the Olympic Eagles for the current international window.

His absence represents another challenge for Nigeria as they prepare for Tuesday’s return fixture at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The Olympic Eagles must overturn a 2-0 deficit from the first leg to progress to the final qualifying round of the competition.

Nigeria suffered the defeat on Friday after goalkeeper Samuel James inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 15th minute, before Filozofe Mabete extended DR Congo’s advantage 10 minutes before half-time.

The Nigerian side failed to find a response after the break, leaving them with a difficult task ahead of the return encounter.

The winner of the two-legged tie will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso in the final qualifying round.

Egypt will host the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also serve as the qualifying tournament for the men's football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.