The Democratic Republic of Congo face a significant blow ahead of their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying second leg against Nigeria's Olympic Eagles, with captain Jules Ahoka ruled out through injury.

Ahoka sustained the problem during Friday's first-leg encounter at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, and his club, Sunderland, have recalled the midfielder to England for treatment.

The DR Congo side, coached by Guy Bukasa, head into the return fixture holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg — but they will now have to protect that lead without their skipper.

Bukasa's men will be eager to hold their ground and book a place in the next round of qualifying, knowing Nigeria will push hard to overturn the deficit on home soil.

Nigeria's Olympic Eagles are also not without their own injury concerns. Zadok Yohanna and Daniel Daga have both been ruled out of the second leg, leaving the hosts to reshuffle ahead of the crucial tie.