The squad will begin preparations at the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, 25 October 2026, as Nigeria prepare for a crucial test in their bid to return to Olympic men’s football.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation squad announcement reported by Premium Times, the first leg will take place at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, 13 November, before Nigeria host the return fixture at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, 17 November.
The winner over the two legs will advance to the final qualifying round of the U-23 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Egypt in 2027. The tournament will also determine Africa’s representatives in the men’s football competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Chelle turns to home-based talent
The 31-man selection comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, with players drawn from clubs across Nigeria’s domestic football system.
Sporting Lagos, Ikorodu City, Rivers United and Warri Wolves are among the clubs represented in the squad.
The invitation provides an opportunity for domestic-based players to impress as Nigeria seek to navigate the second qualifying round and move closer to securing a place at the continental tournament.
Full list of Olympic Eagles players
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)
• Muhammad Salihu (Sporting Lagos)
• Jude Eventus (Warri Wolves)
Forwards
• Junior Ikechukwu (Ikorodu City)
• Timothy Zechariah (Rivers United)
• Williams Wonah (Enyimba)
• Ayoola Olaniyan (Sporting Lagos)
• Chijioke Samuel (Enyimba)
• Jofrank Joshua (Nasarawa United)
• Chimobi Igwilo (Rangers International)
• Alex Oweifaleya (Bendel Insurance)
• Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme)
• Habila Simon (Wikki Tourists)
Nigeria target return to the Olympic Games
Nigeria have a distinguished record in Olympic men’s football, winning gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.
However, the country has not qualified for the men’s Olympic football tournament since the 2016 Games.
The upcoming tie against DR Congo therefore represents an important step in Nigeria’s attempt to return to the Olympic stage. The team must first overcome the Congolese side before advancing to the final qualifying round.
DR Congo reached this stage after eliminating Mauritania, while Nigeria received a bye into the second round.
With the first leg scheduled for Lubumbashi and the return match in Ikenne-Remo, the Olympic Eagles will need to produce strong performances home and away to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nigfooty Sports Desk