Nigeria U‑23 squad named for DR Congo qualifiers with key overseas players included

Nigeria's Olympic football side, commonly known as the Olympic Eagles, will contest a two‑leg U‑23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo later this month. Head coach Èric Chelle released a 23‑man squad on 9 November, naming Brighton & Hove Albion forward Zadok Yohanna and Molde FC midfielder Daniel Daga among the overseas‑based players. The first leg is scheduled for Friday, 13 November, at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, while the return fixture will be played on Tuesday, 17 November, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne‑Remo.

The squad also includes goalkeeper Michael Atata, who has previously been called up to the senior Super Eagles, and junior international Abdulmuiz Adeleke. Atata will compete for the starting role with Finland‑based Samuel James of SJK FC and home‑based Clinton Andy of Rivers United. Defenders Victory Akpe, Vince Osuji and Emmanuel Ochobi round out the back line, while midfield options feature Chibuzor Nwoko, Aderemi Adeoye and others. Forwards Peter Edokpolor and Umar Abubakar join Yohanna in the attacking unit.

Background

The U‑23 AFCON tournament, to be hosted in Egypt in 2027, doubles as the African qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic men’s football competition. Nigeria received a bye in the first qualifying round and now faces the Congolese side in the second round, with the winner advancing to the final qualifying stage. Coach Chelle, who signed a new contract covering both the senior Super Eagles and the U‑23 side, has been juggling responsibilities across the two squads during the same international window. Assistant coach Deniran Ortega has taken charge of the Olympic Eagles for the DR Congo matches, having overseen most training sessions and the recent friendly win over Grassrunners.

The seven players who ply their trade in Nigeria – including Atata, Abdulmuiz Adeleke and several home‑based defenders – are set to depart the country on Tuesday, ahead of the first leg. Their travel itinerary mirrors that of the senior team, which will face Tanzania in a 2027 AFCON double‑header on the same day as the U‑23 fixture in Lubumbashi.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the U‑23 AFCON finals is crucial for Nigeria’s Olympic ambitions, as the tournament determines Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles. Securing a place in the finals would keep the nation on track for a potential fourth Olympic appearance. The inclusion of overseas talent such as Yohanna and Daga signals an effort to blend experience from top European leagues with home‑grown prospects, potentially strengthening the squad’s competitive edge.

Goalkeeper competition is notable, with Atata hoping to cement his claim as Nigeria’s first‑choice keeper after multiple senior call‑ups. The defensive trio of Akpe, Osuji and Ochobi provides a mix of European club experience and domestic familiarity, while the midfield and forward lines feature players active in Norway, England, Portugal and other leagues, offering varied tactical options for Ortega and Chelle.

What happens next

The Olympic Eagles will travel to Lubumbashi for the opening leg on 13 November, with the match slated to be played at the Stade TP Mazembe. After the first encounter, the team will return to Nigeria for the second leg at the Remo Stars Sports Complex on 17 November. Assistant coach Ortega will continue to lead the side while Chelle focuses on the senior team’s AFCON double‑header against Tanzania, scheduled for the same dates at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo and later at the Taifa Stars venue.

Pending the outcome of the two matches, Nigeria will either progress to the final qualifying round or be eliminated from the Olympic pathway. The results will be closely watched by the Nigerian Football Federation, fans, and stakeholders invested in the nation’s future at both the continental and Olympic levels.