Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have arrived in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, as preparations gather momentum for their important 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter.
The Nigerian delegation arrived ahead of Friday’s first-leg meeting with DR Congo, scheduled to take place at the Stade TP Mazembe on November 13, 2026
All 23 invited players have joined the team as the coaching staff works towards getting the squad ready for the challenging away fixture.
The encounter is an important test for Nigeria as the Olympic Eagles seek to advance to the next stage of the qualifying competition and keep their hopes of returning to the continental tournament alive.
Prince Bawa Oche Replaces Injured Sulaiman Sani
Nigeria’s travelling squad has undergone a late adjustment following an injury to Al-Qadsiah forward Sulaiman Sani.
The forward has been ruled out of the fixture, creating an opportunity for Nasarawa United striker Prince Bawa Oche to join the team as his replacement.
Oche’s inclusion adds another home-based option to a squad featuring players from the Nigerian domestic league as well as clubs across Europe.
Among the foreign-based players are Daniel Daga of Molde FC in Norway, Chibuzor Nwoko of Fulham in England, Zadok Yohanna of Brighton and Peter Edokpolor of Benfica in Portugal.
Goalkeeper Samuel James, who plays for SJK FC in Finland, is also among the players expected to compete for a place in the starting line-up.
Chelle Hands Team to Assistants for Congo Encounter
Although Éric Chelle is the head coach of the Olympic Eagles, he will not be on the touchline for the DR Congo fixture because of his commitments with the senior Super Eagles.
Assistant coaches Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe are expected to oversee the team during the two-legged qualifying contest.
The technical crew will therefore have the responsibility of guiding the young Nigerian side through a difficult away assignment before the return fixture on home soil.
Friday’s first leg will also be played behind closed doors on security grounds, meaning supporters will not be permitted inside the stadium.
Return Leg Scheduled for Ikenne
Following the encounter in Lubumbashi, Nigeria will welcome DR Congo for the second leg on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.
The match will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, where the Olympic Eagles will have the opportunity to finish the tie in front of their home supporters.
The winner over the two legs will advance to the next qualifying round, moving a step closer to the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to hold in Egypt.
The competition will also determine Africa’s representatives in the men’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Nigeria will be eager to return to the Olympic football stage after missing the 2020 and 2024 editions. The country last featured in the men’s Olympic football tournament at Rio 2016, where the Olympic Eagles won bronze.
A positive result in Lubumbashi would put the Nigerian team in a stronger position heading into the return fixture in Ikenne.
Full Olympic Eagles Squad for DR Congo Qualifier
Goalkeepers (3)
- Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland)
- Clinton Andy (Rivers United, Nigeria)
- Michael Atata (Ikorodu City, Nigeria)
Defenders (7)
- Christian Akpan (Genk FC, Belgium)
- Victory Akpe (FC Basel, Switzerland)
- Vince Osuji (Tromsø IL, Norway)
- Emmanuel Godwin (Pardubice FC, Czechia)
- Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United, Nigeria)
- Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United, Nigeria)
- Aliu Sugau (Barau FC, Nigeria)
Midfielders (7)
- John Otomewo (Reims FC, France)
- Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway)
- Wilfred George (Kristiansund FC, Norway)
- Chibuzor Nwoko (Fulham FC, England)
- Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City, Nigeria)
- Sadiq Saleh (FC Metta, Latvia)
- Victor Samuel (Pardubice FC, Czechia)
Forwards (6)
- Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal)
- Prince Bawa Oche (Nasarawa United, Nigeria)
- Umar Abubakar (FC Famalicão, Portugal)
- Zadok Yohanna (Brighton FC, England)
- Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Králové, Czechia)
- Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme)
With their preparations now underway in Lubumbashi, the Olympic Eagles will be looking to produce a disciplined performance and secure a result that strengthens Nigeria’s chances of progressing in the U-23 AFCON qualifiers.