Olympic Eagles get full squad ahead of DR Congo clash
By Tosin Omojola
All 31 invited players of Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, have arrived in camp ahead of their upcoming encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The team began preparations on Tuesday morning with 28 players participating in their first training session at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The remaining three players, all from Rangers International of Enugu, arrived later that day 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 of 31 players as the technical crew intensifies preparations for the crucial qualifying tie.
The squad comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, giving the coaches 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 defenders include Gift Subi of Warri Wolves, Hillary Zion of Sporting Lagos, Emmanuel Utake of Rivers United, Marvelous Freedom of Ikorodu City, Odinaka Alfred of Nasarawa United, Emmanuel Ochobi of Rivers United and Aliu Sugau of Barau FC.
The midfielders are Freeman Wuchirwe of Bendel Insurance, Victor Samuel of Sporting Lagos, Umar Mohammed of Nasarawa United, Lucky Oraro of Warri Wolves, Aderemi Adeoye of Ikorodu City, Sani Shuaibu of Warri Wolves, Muhammad Salihu of Sporting Lagos and Jude Eventus of Warri Wolves.
The attacking options include Junior Ikechukwu of Ikorodu City, Timothy Zechariah of Rivers United, Williams Wonah of Enyimba FC, Ayoola Olaniyan of Sporting Lagos, Chijioke Samuel of Enyimba FC, Jofrank Joshua of Nasarawa United, Alex Oweifaleya of Bendel Insurance, Abdulmuiz Adeleke of Sporting Supreme and Habila Simon of Wikki Tourists.
With the full squad assembled, the Olympic Eagles will focus on building team cohesion, sharpening their tactical organisation and improving their overall performance ahead of the encounter.
The qualifying campaign is a crucial step in Nigeria’s bid to secure a place in the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
