Ugandan Referee Duula Joshua Appointed for Nigeria vs DR Congo U-23 AFCON Qualifier

Ugandan referee Duula Joshua has been appointed to officiate the first-leg encounter between Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the second round of the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The match is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 13, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, DR Congo.

Joshua will be assisted by fellow Ugandans Brianson Musisi, who will serve as the first assistant referee, and Katerega Ashiraf, appointed as the second assistant referee.

Another Ugandan official, William Oloya, has been named as the fourth official for the encounter.

Meanwhile, Central African Republic officials Jean Marie Koyakobo and Alain Brice Letokouzou have been appointed as match commissioner and referee assessor, respectively.

The appointment comes ahead of the crucial two-legged qualifying contest, with Nigeria seeking to secure a place in the next stage of the competition.

The Olympic Eagles will host the return leg at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Tuesday, November 17.

The outcome of the two matches will determine which team advances in the race for qualification for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.