Olympic Eagles arrive in DR Congo as Oche replaces Injured Sani
By Tosin Omojola
Nigeria’s U-23 national team have arrived in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), ahead of their crucial U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter scheduled for Friday.
All 23 invited players are now in camp as preparations intensify for the fixture, with the coaching crew working to ensure the team is fully prepared for the challenge.
However, the squad has suffered a late setback following an injury to forward Sulaiman Sani, who has been ruled out of the encounter.
In response, manager Eric Chelle has called up Nasarawa United forward Prince Bawa Oche as a replacement for the injured Sani.
The squad comprises a blend of home-based and foreign-based players, with representatives from clubs across Nigeria and Europe.
The Olympic Eagles will be aiming to secure a positive result in Lubumbashi as they continue their quest to qualify for the U-23 AFCON.
THE SQUAD
Goalkeepers (3): Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland), Clinton Andy (Rivers United), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City).
Defenders (7): Christian Akpan (Genk FC, Belgium), Victory Akpe (FC Basel, Switzerland), Vince Osuji (Tromso IL, Norway), Emmanuel Godwin (Pardubice FC, Czechia), Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United), Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United), Aliu Sugau (Barau FC).
Midfielders (7): John Otomewo (Reims FC, France), Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway), Wilfred George (Kristiansund FC, Norway), Chibuzor Nwoko (Fulham FC, England), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Sadiq Saleh (FC Metta, Latvia), Victor Samuel (Pardubice FC, Czechia).
Forwards (6): Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal), Prince Bawa Oche (Nasarawa United), Umar Abubakar (FC Famalicao, Portugal), Zadok Yohanna (Brighton FC, England), Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove, Czechia), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme).
