Nigeria’s U23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial return-leg encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Daniel Daga and Zadok Yohanna ruled out of the decisive fixture.
The two players will be unavailable for the second leg, leaving the Nigerian side with additional challenges as they seek to overturn a two-goal deficit and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Zadok Yohanna has been released from the U23 squad following an injury that has forced him to return to his club, Brighton, for further attention and recovery.
The youngster’s absence represents a significant setback for the Olympic Eagles, who will be without his services as they prepare for the must-win encounter.
Meanwhile, midfielder Daniel Daga has also been released from the squad following a request from his club.
Although Daga’s departure is not injury-related, his absence further reduces the options available to the Nigerian technical crew ahead of the decisive clash.
The double setback comes at a critical moment for Nigeria, who must deliver an improved performance in the return leg after losing the first encounter 2-0 to DR Congo.
The Olympic Eagles will need a strong attacking display, defensive discipline and clinical finishing to overturn the aggregate deficit and remain in contention for qualification.
With Daga and Yohanna unavailable, the technical crew will now have to explore alternative options and reorganise the squad to compensate for the absence of the two players.
The return-leg encounter is expected to be a defining test of Nigeria’s resilience, determination and ability to respond under pressure.
For the Olympic Eagles, the mission remains clear: overcome DR Congo, overturn the two-goal deficit and keep their qualification ambitions alive.
