LA 2028 Olympics Qualifiers: Chelle Invites 31 Home-Based Players for DR Congo Clash

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles will face DR Congo in a two-legged second-round qualifier for the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations, with the winner advancing to the final qualifying round.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has invited 31 home-based players to the U23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, as Nigeria begins preparations for next month’s qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the invitation, with the squad comprising four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards.

The invited players are expected to report to the team’s camp at AM2PM Hotel, Ijebu-Ode, on Sunday, October 25, as preparations begin for the two-legged encounter.

Nigeria, DR Congo to Battle for Final Qualifying Round Spot

The Olympic Eagles will travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg against DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium on Friday, November 13. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.

The winner over the two legs will advance to the final round of qualifying for the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Egypt. The tournament will determine Africa’s representatives in the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Nigeria received a bye into the second round, while DR Congo secured their place in the tie after overcoming Mauritania over two legs.

The Olympic Eagles will be seeking a return to the Olympic men’s football tournament after missing the last two editions. Nigeria last featured at Rio 2016, where the team won bronze, adding to the gold medal secured at Atlanta 1996 and the silver medal won at Beijing 2008.

Full List of Invited Players

Goalkeepers (4)

• Chinemerem Olughu (Nasarawa United)

• Clinton Andy (Rivers United)

• Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)

• Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)

Defenders (9)

• Gift Subi (Warri Wolves)

• Hillary Zion (Sporting Lagos)

• Emmanuel Utake (Rivers United)

• Chibueze Oputa (Rangers International)

• Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City)

• Kenneth Igboke (Rangers International)

• Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United)

• Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United)

• Aliu Sugau (Barau FC)

Midfielders (8)

• Freeman Wuchirwe (Bendel Insurance)

• Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos)

• Umar Mohammed (Nasarawa United)

• Lucky Oraro (Warri Wolves)

• Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City)

• Sani Shuaibu (Warri Wolves)

• Muhammad Salihu (Sporting Lagos)

• Jude Eventus (Warri Wolves)

Forwards (10)

• Junior Ikechukwu (Ikorodu City)

• Timothy Zechariah (Rivers United)

• Williams Wonah (Enyimba FC)

• Ayoola Olaniyan (Sporting Lagos)

• Chijioke Samuel (Enyimba FC)

• Jofrank Joshua (Nasarawa United)

• Chimobi Igwilo (Rangers International)

• Alex Oweifaleya (Bendel Insurance)

• Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme)

• Habila Simon (Wikki Tourists)

With the squad reporting to camp on October 25, the Olympic Eagles will have a little over two weeks to prepare for the first leg in Lubumbashi before returning home for the decisive second encounter.

Nigeria must overcome DR Congo and progress through the final qualifying round to keep their hopes of returning to the Olympic men’s football tournament alive.