All 31 invited players of Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, have arrived in camp ahead of their two-legged qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.
The squad’s arrival was completed on Tuesday after 28 players took part in the team’s first training session at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The remaining three players, all from Rangers International of Enugu, joined the squad after featuring in their club’s 2026/27 CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger. They are Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa.
Their arrival brings the squad to its full complement as head coach Éric Chelle and his technical crew intensify preparations for the two-legged encounter.
The 31-man squad comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, providing options across all departments.
The goalkeepers are 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.
The midfield contingent features 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 comprises 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.
Nigeria will face DR Congo in the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return fixture at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, November 17.
The winner over the two legs will advance to the final qualifying round of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Egypt in 2027. The tournament will determine Africa’s representatives in the men’s football competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Nigeria are seeking a return to the men’s Olympic football tournament after missing the 2020 and 2024 editions. The country won gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.
With the squad now assembled, the Olympic Eagles will aim to build cohesion and sharpen their tactical organisation before the crucial November fixtures.
