Road To LA 2028: Nigeria Face Mauritania Or DR Congo In U-23 AFCONQ

Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles will face either Mauritania or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the second round of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

The draw was conducted in Cairo, Egypt, on Tuesday, with Nigeria among 14 nations granted a bye into the second round based on their performances at the last three editions of the competition.

The first-round qualifiers will be played over two legs, with the opening matches scheduled for 28 September and the return fixtures on 6 October.

Nigeria will enter the competition at the second-round stage, with the first leg scheduled for 9 November and the return match on 17 November 2026.

Should the U-23 Eagles progress, they will face the winner of the Burkina Faso versus Sierra Leone/Zambia tie in the third and final qualifying round.

Seven teams will eventually qualify for the 2027 tournament and join hosts Egypt in the eight-team finals.

The 2027 U-23 AFCON will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Nigeria will therefore need to navigate two qualifying rounds successfully to secure a place at the continental championship and keep their Olympic ambitions alive.