In one of the most surprising results of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Nigeria suffered a 3-2 home defeat to a spirited Congo Brazzaville side in Calabar. The reigning African champions were left stunned on their own turf, where they had previously been near invincible.
Nigeria began brightly, taking the lead in the 13th minute through defender Efe Ambrose of Celtic, capitalising on a strong start and an expectant home crowd. However, their advantage was short-lived.
Claude Le Roy’s Congo side, well-organised and full of attacking intent, struck back quickly. Prince Oniangue found the equaliser just minutes later after good work from Thievy Bifouma, who tormented the Nigerian defence throughout the match.
Bifouma was again decisive before the break, handing Congo a 2-1 lead in the 40th minute. The forward then doubled his tally in the 54th minute from the penalty spot, giving the Red Devils a shock two-goal cushion against the odds.
Nigeria, despite their array of star talent and home advantage, struggled to recover. A late goal in the 89th minute reduced the deficit to 3-2, but it was too little, too late for the Super Eagles. The final whistle confirmed a famous win for Congo and a sobering start to the campaign for Nigeria.
For Claude Le Roy—one of the most experienced coaches in African football—it was a tactical masterclass. His team stayed compact, hit on the counter, and punished Nigeria’s defensive lapses with clinical precision.
Nigeria, who had been expected to cruise through Group A, must now regroup quickly ahead of a crucial clash against South Africa. Failure to pick up points there could place their hopes of defending their continental crown in serious doubt.
Congo, meanwhile, will carry growing confidence into their next fixture against Sudan, buoyed by what will go down as one of their most memorable international victories in recent years.
This defeat also raises questions about Nigeria’s readiness under manager Stephen Keshi and whether complacency may have crept into a squad that not long ago stood atop African football.
