Nigeria's U-23 side must beat DR Congo over two legs to reach the final qualifying round.
Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna and Molde midfielder Daniel Daga have been included in the 23-man squad that head coach Èric Chelle named for Nigeria's U-23 qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Having been granted a pass through the opening qualifying stage, Nigeria now faces DR Congo in a two-leg contest it must win to move into the last qualifying round.
The Olympic Eagles seek a place in next year's U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, to be held in Egypt. Africa's entrants for the men's football competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will also be decided by that event.
Seven players in the squad play their club football in Nigeria. Yohanna and Daga are among the foreign-based players Chelle picked for the tie.
Goalkeeper Michael Atata has been called up to the Super Eagles several times and will hope to become Nigeria's first-choice keeper for this tie. He will compete for the number one spot with SJK FC's Samuel James and Rivers United's Clinton Andy. Abdulmuiz Adeleke, an exciting junior international, is also in the squad.
Other names include Genk defender Christian Akpan, FC Basel defender Victory Akpe, Tromsø defender Vince Osuji, Fulham midfielder Chibuzor Nwoko and SL Benfica forward Peter Edokpolor.
Chelle will not be in charge on the touchline. Assistant head coach Deniran Ortega will lead the Olympic Eagles, assisted by Ikorodu City head coach Bright Ozebagbe. Ortega has been with the home-based players since the camp opened two weeks ago. Chelle is focused on the Super Eagles' 2027 AFCON qualifying double-header against Tanzania. The Super Eagles play Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13 November, the same day the Olympic Eagles' first leg is scheduled.
The first leg is at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi. The return leg is at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, 17 November.
No comments yet