Olympic Eagles: Eric Chelle names 23-man squad for DR Congo qualifiers

The Olympic Eagles are preparing for an important test on the road to the 2028 Games, and head coach Eric Chelle has settled on the players he wants for the challenge.

Atata, Daga and Adeleke headline Chelle's selection

Chelle has named 23 players for Nigeria's U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against DR Congo, with goalkeeper Michael Atata, midfielder Daniel Daga and forward Abdulmuiz Adeleke among the notable inclusions.

Atata, who has previously received Super Eagles call-ups, will compete with Samuel James of Finland's SJK FC and Clinton Andy of Rivers United for the starting goalkeeper position.

The squad also features defenders Christian Akpan, Victory Akpe, Vince Osuji and Emmanuel Godwin, alongside midfielders John Otomewo, Wilfred George and Sadiq Saleh.

Read Also: Nigeria: Who is Ahmed Lawal Dankoli, the new Olympic Eagles chief scout?

The first leg will take place at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13. The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.

The seven players based at Nigerian clubs are expected to depart on Tuesday ahead of the away fixture.

Full 23-man Olympic Eagles squad

Goalkeepers: Samuel James (SJK FC), Clinton Andy (Rivers United), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City).

Defenders: Christian Akpan (Genk), Victory Akpe (Basel), Vince Osuji (Tromsø), Emmanuel Godwin (Pardubice), Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United), Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United), Aliu Sugau (Barau FC).

Midfielders: John Otomewo (Reims), Daniel Daga (Molde), Wilfred George (Kristiansund), Chibuzor Nwoko (Fulham), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Sadiq Saleh (FC Metta), Victor Samuel (Pardubice).

Forwards: Peter Edokpolor (Benfica), Sulaiman Sani (Al-Qadsiah), Umar Abubakar (Famalicao), Zadok Yohanna (Brighton), Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme).

The qualifying contest is part of Nigeria's route to the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt, which will determine Africa's representatives at the 2028 Olympic men's football tournament.

Read Also: LaLiga: Real Sociedad beat Rayo (1-0)