Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has invited 31 home-based players to the Olympic Eagles squad as Nigeria prepare for their 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The selected players are expected to report to camp on Sunday, October 25, at AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where preparations will begin for the two-legged second-round tie.
The selection features four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, with Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City among the clubs supplying multiple players.
Key Takeaways
- 31 players selected: Eric Chelle has invited 31 home-based footballers to the Olympic Eagles squad.
- Camp arrangements: The players are expected to report on Sunday, October 25, at AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
- Two-legged qualifier: Nigeria will face DR Congo on November 13 and November 17.
- Squad breakdown: The invitation includes four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards.
- Qualification objective: Nigeria must eliminate DR Congo to reach the final qualifying round in Egypt.
- Olympic ambition: The qualifying campaign offers Nigeria a route towards the men’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Nigeria Prepare for Crucial DR Congo Qualifier
The Olympic Eagles received a bye in the first qualifying round, while DR Congo advanced after defeating Mauritania over two legs. Nigeria will now face the Congolese side in the second round, with a place in the final qualifying round at stake.
The first leg is scheduled for November 13 at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi. The return fixture will take place on November 17 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
The two matches will determine which team progresses to the final stage of qualification. Nigeria must eliminate DR Congo to keep their hopes of reaching the 2027 U-23 AFCON alive.
Camp Opens in Ogun State
The invited players are expected to assemble at AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, October 25, for the start of preparations.
The camp will give the coaching team an opportunity to work with the selected home-based players ahead of the two-legged encounter. The squad brings together footballers from clubs across Nigeria’s domestic leagues.
Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City are among the teams with multiple representatives in the selection.
Full List of Eric Chelle’s 31 Invited Players
The squad consists of four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards.
Goalkeepers
- Chinemerem Olughu (Nasarawa United)
- Clinton Andy (Rivers United)
- Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos)
- Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)
Defenders
- 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
- Freeman Wuchirwe (Bendel Insurance)
- Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos)
- Umar Mohammed (Nasarawa United)
- Lucky Oraro (Warri Wolves)
- Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City)
- Sani Shuaibu (Warri Wolves)
- Muhammed Salisu (Sporting Lagos)
- Jude Eventus (Warri Wolves)
Forwards
- 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)
Nigeria’s Olympic Football History
Nigeria are seeking a return to the Olympic men’s football tournament after missing the last two editions.
The country has won three Olympic medals in men’s football: gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.
Progress through the U-23 AFCON qualifying rounds would move the Olympic Eagles closer to another opportunity to represent Nigeria on the Olympic stage. The 2027 tournament in Egypt will determine Africa’s representatives in the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
What Happens Next for the Olympic Eagles?
The immediate focus is on the start of camp, preparations for the first leg in Lubumbashi and the return fixture in Ikenne-Remo.
Nigeria must overcome DR Congo across the two matches to reach the final qualifying round. The outcome of the tie will determine whether the Olympic Eagles advance another step towards the 2027 U-23 AFCON.
With 31 home-based players invited, attention will now turn to preparations and the team’s performance over the two legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many players did Eric Chelle invite to the Olympic Eagles?
Eric Chelle invited 31 home-based players to the Olympic Eagles squad for Nigeria’s 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifying tie against DR Congo.
2. When will the Olympic Eagles report to camp?
The players are expected to report on Sunday, October 25, at AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
3. When will Nigeria play DR Congo?
The first leg is scheduled for November 13 at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi. The return leg is scheduled for November 17 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
4. How is the 31-player squad divided by position?
The squad comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards.
5. What happens if Nigeria eliminate DR Congo?
Nigeria will advance to the final qualifying round, which is scheduled to be held in Egypt in 2027.
6. Why is the U-23 AFCON important to Nigeria?
The tournament will determine Africa’s representatives in the men’s football competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Nigeria are aiming to return to the Olympic men’s football tournament after missing the last two editions.
7. Which clubs have multiple representatives in the squad?
Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City are among the clubs with multiple players included in the selection.
Conclusion
Eric Chelle’s invitation of 31 home-based players marks the start of Nigeria’s preparations for a decisive stage of the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifying campaign.
With DR Congo standing between the Olympic Eagles and the final qualifying round, the focus will be on camp preparations and the two scheduled fixtures. Progress would bring Nigeria one step closer to the tournament in Egypt and the wider goal of returning to Olympic men’s football at Los Angeles 2028.
