Nigeria lose in AFCON qualifier

This was only the second time Congo had beaten Nigeria, the first being a 2-1 win in 1970.

The visiting Red Devils of Congo were the better team and deserved their win on the road as they attacked even when they were enjoying a comfortable advantage.

The Super Eagles will now be under heavy pressure going into their next qualifying match in South Africa on Wednesday.

South Africa lead Group A after they beat Sudan 3-0 in Omdurman on Friday.

Nigeria took the lead after 13 minutes when Efe Ambrose headed home from inside the box beyond diving goalkeeper Chansel Massa.

However, Congo drew level two minutes later when forward Thievy Bifouma went past the Nigeria defence from the right flank before teeing up skipper Prince Oniangue to slot home from inside the box.

Bifouma turned from provider to scorer in the 40th minute when he combined well inside the box before picking his spot with his left foot.

The outstanding Bifouma scored Congo's third goal in the 54th minute from the penalty spot after he was brought down inside the box by Ogenyi Onazi.

Substitute Gbolahan Salami pulled a goal back a minute from full time after a goalmouth scramble, but it was too little too late for Nigeria to get a result in front of their fans.

Group A

At Calabar, Nigeria

Nigeria 2 (Ambrose 13, Salami 89) Congo Brazzaville 3 (Oniangue 16, Bifouma 40, 54-pen)

Friday

At Omdurman, Sudan

Sudan 0 South Africa 3 (Vilakazi 55, 61, Ndulula 79)