Nigeria’s U23 team will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations in the second qualifying round after receiving a bye in the opening stage, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Olympic Games-bound side will face either Mauritania or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who will first meet in the opening round, with Nigeria set to take on the winner over two legs.
Should Nigeria progress, they will face the winner of the tie involving Burkina Faso and the winner between Sierra Leone and Zambia in the final qualifying round.
The Nigerian U23 side must overcome that final hurdle across two legs to secure a place at the 2027 U23 AFCON, which will be hosted by Egypt.
The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the Olympic Games, making qualification particularly important for Nigeria as they continue their bid to return to the global showpiece.