Nigeria Unveils Star-Studded Olympic Eagles Squad for Crucial 2028 LA Qualifiers vs DR Congo

The Nigeria Football Federation has officially announced the 23-man squad for the Olympic Eagles’ decisive U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against DR Congo, a high-stakes clash that forms a key part of the pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games men’s football tournament.

Head coach Éric Chelle named a blend of exciting European-based talents and promising home-based players for the two-legged tie.

The first leg is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, with the return leg set for Tuesday, November 17, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.

Full Nigeria U-23 Squad for 2028 Olympic Qualifiers

Goalkeepers:

Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland), Clinton Andy (Rivers United), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)

Defenders:

Christian Akpan (Genk FC, Belgium), Victory Akpe (FC Basel, Switzerland), Vince Osuji (Tromsø IL, Norway), Emmanuel Godwin (Pardubice FC, Czechia), Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United), Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United), Aliu Sugau (Barau FC)

Midfielders:

John Otomewo (Reims FC, France), Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway), Wilfred George (Kristiansund FC, Norway), Chibuzor Nwoko (Fulham FC, England), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Sadiq Saleh (FC Metta, Latvia), Victor Samuel (Pardubice FC, Czechia)

Forwards:

Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal), Sulaiman Sani (Al-Qadsiah FC, Saudi Arabia), Umar Abubakar (FC Famalicão, Portugal), Zadok Yohanna (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Králové, Czechia), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme)

Prominent Stars Leading the Charge

Several high-profile names stand out in Chelle’s selection. Brighton & Hove Albion forward Zadok Yohanna is one of the biggest attractions, bringing Premier League exposure and explosive attacking potential.

Benfica’s Peter Edokpolor offers technical quality and goal threat from the front line, while Molde midfielder Daniel Daga provides dynamism and control in the engine room.

Other notable inclusions include Fulham’s Chibuzor Nwoko, Genk defender Christian Akpan, and Famalicão striker Umar Abubakar.

Goalkeeper Michael Atata, who has previously earned senior Super Eagles recognition, adds experience between the posts. Home-based talents such as Abdulmuiz Adeleke and Aderemi Adeoye round out a balanced group that mixes overseas pedigree with local hunger.

Nigeria’s Proud Olympic Football Legacy

Nigeria boasts one of the strongest track records in men’s Olympic football among African nations. The Dream Team claimed historic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games, stunning Brazil in the semi-finals and Argentina in the final with a last-gasp winner from Emmanuel Amuneke.

They added silver in Beijing 2008 after falling to another Argentina side featuring Lionel Messi, and secured bronze at Rio 2016.

These three podium finishes make Nigeria the most successful African country in the history of the Olympic men’s football tournament. The current generation of Olympic Eagles now carries the responsibility of restoring the nation to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles, where only a limited number of African slots are available via the 2027 U-23 AFCON.

The upcoming fixtures against DR Congo represent a critical early step. Progress in these qualifiers will keep Nigeria’s hopes of competing at LA 2028 alive and continue a tradition of excellence that has produced legends such as Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, and many others.

Fans across Nigeria and the diaspora will be watching closely as Chelle’s side aims to take the first big stride toward Olympic glory once again. The road to Los Angeles begins now.