Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial home-and-away encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations.
The squad features several promising young talents, including goalkeeper Michael Atata, midfielder Daniel Daga, forward Zadok Yohanna and exciting junior international Abdulmuiz Adeleke.
Atata, who has received previous invitations to the senior Super Eagles squad, is among three goalkeepers selected for the qualifying fixtures. He will compete with SJK FC goalkeeper Samuel James and Clinton Andy for the number-one position.
The inclusion of Daga and Adeleke further strengthens Nigeria’s options as the team prepares for the important two-legged encounter, with Chelle looking to assemble a competitive squad capable of securing qualification for the continental tournament.
Nigeria vs DR Congo: Dates and Venues
The seven players based in Nigeria are expected to depart the country on Tuesday ahead of the first leg scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026.
The opening encounter will take place at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, with Nigeria hoping to secure a positive result away from home.
The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, where the Nigerian side will have the opportunity to complete the job in front of their home supporters.
U23 AFCON Qualification and 2028 Olympic Ambition
Qualification for the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations is a significant target for Nigeria, as the tournament will serve as the pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games men’s football competition.
The continental finals will be staged in Egypt, with Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Olympic football tournament emerging from the competition.
Nigeria will therefore be determined to overcome DR Congo and take another step towards securing a place at the U23 AFCON finals.
NIGERIA U23 FULL SQUAD LIST
GOALKEEPERS
Samuel James – SJK FC, Finland
Clinton Andy – Rivers United
Michael Atata – Ikorodu City
DEFENDERS
Christian Akpan – Genk FC, Belgium
Victory Akpe – FC Basel, Switzerland
Vince Osuji – Tromsø IL FC, Norway
Emmanuel Godwin – Pardubice FC, Czechia
Odinaka Alfred – Nasarawa United
Emmanuel Ochobi – Rivers United
Aliu Sugau – Barau FC
MIDFIELDERS
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
Peter Edokpolor – SL Benfica, Portugal
Sulaiman Sani – Al-Qadsiah FC, Saudi Arabia
Umar Abubakar – FC Famalicão, Portugal
Zadok Yohanna – Brighton FC, England
Abdullahi Umar – Hradec Kralove, Czechia
Abdulmuiz Adeleke – Sporting Supreme
