Nigeria vs DR Congo: Real reason Olympics Eagles’ AFCON qualifier could be moved

Nigeria Olympics Eagles’ U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of the Congo could be moved from its scheduled venue because of concerns over the Ebola outbreak in the Central African country.

The first leg is due to take place on Friday, November 13, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.

However, Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) has reportedly written to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), asking for the match to be moved to a neutral venue over health and travel concerns.

Figures from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention put the death toll from the outbreak at more than 5,300 in the DRC. The outbreak began in May 2026 and involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Cases have also been reported in other countries.

The situation has fueled concerns about the risks facing Nigeria’s players and officials if they travel to Lubumbashi for the qualifier.

Olympics Eagles: Why Nigeria want the DR Congo match moved

The NSC, per the Leadership reports, is concerned about the health risks of travelling to a country battling a major Ebola outbreak. Travel restrictions and possible quarantine requirements could also disrupt Nigeria’s preparations for the return leg.

The second leg is scheduled for November 17, just four days after the first match. A two-week quarantine upon returning from the DRC would make it difficult for the players to feature in the return fixture as planned.

The Bundibugyo strain has added to those concerns because no approved vaccine or specific treatment is currently available for it, according to health authorities.

CAF must consider the health risks, advice from public health experts and the competition schedule before deciding whether to move the match.

However, the outbreak does not automatically mean the fixture will be relocated. The decision rests with CAF, which must respond to Nigeria’s request.

What a neutral venue would mean for Olympics Eagles

If CAF grants Nigeria’s request, DR Congo would lose the home advantage of playing at the TP Mazembe Stadium. The change would also force the Congolese team to adjust its travel plans and prepare for a different venue.

Playing at a neutral ground would reduce the Olympics Eagles’ concerns about travelling to the DRC, although the team would still face a difficult two-legged contest.

Head coach Éric Chelle has continued preparations at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. The return leg remains scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, with Nigeria set to host DR Congo.

Both teams are fighting for a place in the 2027 U23 AFCON in Egypt. The tournament will also serve as part of the qualification route to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.