Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23 man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with goalkeeper Michael Atata, midfielder Daniel Daga and promising youngster Abdulmuiz Adeleke among the selected players.
The two legged fixture is crucial to Nigeria’s hopes of securing a place at the U23 AFCON tournament in Egypt next year. The competition will also determine Africa’s representatives at the men’s football event of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Atata, who has received several invitations to the senior national team, is expected to compete for the goalkeeping position alongside Samuel James of Finland’s SJK FC and Clinton Andy of Rivers United.
The squad also features several promising defenders, including Victory Akpe, Vince Osuji and Emmanuel Ochobi. In midfield, Chelle has selected Chibuzor Nwoko and Aderemi Adeoye, while Peter Edokpolor, Zadok Yohanna and Umar Abubakar are among the attacking options.
Seven players who currently feature for Nigerian clubs are expected to leave the country on Tuesday ahead of the first leg in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The opening encounter will take place at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, while the return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne Remo, Ogun State.
Nigeria’s 23 Man Squad
Goalkeepers
Samuel James of SJK FC, Finland; Clinton Andy of Rivers United; and Michael Atata of Ikorodu City.
Defenders
Christian Akpan of Genk FC, Belgium; Victory Akpe of FC Basel, Switzerland; Vince Osuji of Tromsø IL FC, Norway; Emmanuel Godwin of Pardubice FC, Czechia; Odinaka Alfred of Nasarawa United; Emmanuel Ochobi of Rivers United; and Aliu Sugau of Barau FC.
Midfielders
John Otomewo of Reims FC, France; Daniel Daga of Molde FC, Norway; Wilfred George of Kristiansund FC, Norway; Chibuzor Nwoko of Fulham FC, England; Aderemi Adeoye of Ikorodu City; Sadiq Saleh of FC Metta, Latvia; and Victor Samuel of Pardubice FC, Czechia.
Forwards
Peter Edokpolor of SL Benfica, Portugal; Sulaiman Sani of Al Qadsiah FC, Saudi Arabia; Umar Abubakar of FC Famalicao, Portugal; Zadok Yohanna of Brighton FC, England; Abdullahi Umar of Hradec Kralove, Czechia; and Abdulmuiz Adeleke of Sporting Supreme.
Nigeria will be hoping the selected players can deliver strong performances over the two matches and move the country closer to qualification for the continental tournament and the 2028 Olympic Games.
