Olympic Eagles Complete 31-Man Squad Ahead of DR Congo Qualifiers

Posted : 28 October 2026

Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, have completed their 31-man camp ahead of their two-legged qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). The team began preparations on Tuesday, October 27, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, with 28 players participating in the opening training session.

The remaining three players, all from Rangers International of Enugu, arrived later on Tuesday after featuring in their club’s 2026/27 CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger. They were Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa. Their arrival gave the coaching crew the full group available for preparations.

The squad was assembled by Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle, who has been tasked with guiding the Olympic Eagles through the qualifying campaign. The 31 players comprise four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards. They were selected exclusively from clubs in Nigeria’s domestic leagues.

The goalkeeping department features Chinemerem Olughu of Nasarawa United, Clinton Andy of Rivers United, Ebenezer Harcourt of Sporting Lagos and Michael Atata of Ikorodu City.

The defensive options include Gift Subi of Warri Wolves, Hillary Zion of Sporting Lagos, Emmanuel Utake and Emmanuel Ochobi of Rivers United, Chibueze Oputa and Kenneth Igboke of Rangers International, Marvelous Freedom of Ikorodu City, Odinaka Alfred of Nasarawa United and Aliu Sugau of Barau FC.

In midfield, Chelle can call on Freeman Wuchirwe of Bendel Insurance, Victor Samuel and Muhammad Salihu of Sporting Lagos, Umar Mohammed of Nasarawa United, Lucky Oraro and Sani Shuaibu of Warri Wolves, Aderemi Adeoye of Ikorodu City and Jude Eventus of Warri Wolves.

The forward line includes Junior Ikechukwu of Ikorodu City, Timothy Zechariah of Rivers United, Williams Wonah and Chijioke Samuel of Enyimba, Ayoola Olaniyan of Sporting Lagos, Jofrank Joshua of Nasarawa United, Chimobi Igwilo of Rangers International, Alex Oweifaleya of Bendel Insurance, Abdulmuiz Adeleke of Sporting Supreme and Habila Simon of Wikki Tourists.

The first leg against DR Congo is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi. The return leg will take place on Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. Nigeria received a bye into the second qualifying round, while DR Congo advanced after overcoming Mauritania over two legs.

The tie is part of the qualifying process for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The teams that progress through the tournament will compete for Africa’s places in the men's football competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Nigeria are seeking a return to the Olympic men's football tournament after missing the last two editions. The country won gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016. Advancing past DR Congo would keep the Olympic Eagles on course to pursue another appearance on the global stage.

Olympic Eagles Complete 31-Man Squad Ahead of DR Congo Qualifiers

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