Four Rivers United players — Clinton Andy, Emmanuel Utake, Ochobi Elias and Timothy Zachariah — have been named in Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles squad for the upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The call-ups offer the quartet an opportunity to represent Nigeria on the international stage as the Olympic Eagles pursue qualification for the continental tournament.
Nigeria will face DR Congo in the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.
The two-legged encounter will determine which team advances to the final qualifying round, with both sides seeking to keep their hopes of reaching the tournament alive.
Nigeria received a bye into the second qualifying round, while DR Congo secured their place at this stage after overcoming Mauritania over two legs.
The U23 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Egypt next year and will also form part of the qualification pathway for Africa’s representatives at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Men’s Football Tournament.
For Rivers United, the selection of Andy, Utake, Elias and Zachariah highlights the club’s contribution to Nigerian football and gives the players an opportunity to gain valuable international experience.
Their performances during preparations and across the two legs could prove important as Nigeria seek to overcome a determined Congolese side.
The Olympic Eagles will aim to secure a positive result in Lubumbashi before returning home for the decisive second leg in Ikenne-Remo.
With progression to the final qualifying round at stake, Nigeria will be looking for consistent performances over both matches to keep their continental and Olympic ambitions on course.
