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Oche Gets Olympic Eagles Call-Up as Sani Misses DR Congo Qualifier

Posted : 12 November 2026

Nasarawa United forward Prince Bawa Oche has received a late call-up to Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles squad ahead of their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Head coach Eric Chelle invited Oche to replace Sulaiman Sani, who has been ruled out of the two-legged encounter through injury. Sani’s Saudi Arabian club, Al-Qadsiah FC, informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that the forward would be unavailable for the national team assignment.

Oche’s inclusion gives the Nasarawa United attacker an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the U-23 level. His call-up also increases the number of home-based players in the 23-man squad to eight, alongside 15 foreign-based professionals.

The Olympic Eagles are preparing for a crucial second-round qualifying tie against DR Congo. The first leg is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi. Nigeria will host the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.

The winner of the two-legged contest will advance to the final qualifying round. Nigeria must overcome the Congolese side to remain in contention for a place at the 2027 U-23 AFCON.

Chelle will not oversee the Olympic Eagles from the touchline during the fixtures because of his commitments with the senior national team. Assistant coach Deniran Ortega and Ikorodu City coach Bright Ozebagbe are expected to lead the U-23 side in his absence.

The scheduling overlap means the Olympic Eagles will have to pursue qualification under a different technical leadership arrangement. Oche will now hope to make the most of his late invitation as Nigeria prepares for the challenge in Lubumbashi.

 

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