LA 2028 Olympics Race: Chelle Names Atata, Daga, Adeleke In 23-Man U-23 Squad For DR Congo Battle

Super Eagles head coach Èric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s two-legged battle against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

Goalkeeper Michael Atata, midfielder Daniel Daga and exciting junior international Abdulmuiz Adeleke are among the notable inclusions as Nigeria begin their quest to reach the tournament in Egypt, which will serve as the qualification pathway to the men’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Atata, who has received several invitations to the Super Eagles, will compete with Samuel James of Finland’s SJK FC and Rivers United goalkeeper Clinton Andy for the number one position.

The squad also features defenders Victory Akpe, Vince Osuji and Emmanuel Ochobi, while midfielders Chibuzor Nwoko and Aderemi Adeoye have also been included.

In attack, Peter Edokpolor, Zadok Yohanna and Umar Abubakar are among the options available to Chelle.

Nigeria will travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg against DR Congo at the Stade TP Mazembe on Friday, November 13.

The seven Nigeria-based players named in the squad are expected to depart the country on Tuesday ahead of the encounter.

The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, where Nigeria will seek to secure passage to the next stage.

The 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt will be particularly significant, as Africa’s representatives for the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will emerge from the competition.

FULL LIST OF NIGERIA’S 23 PLAYERS

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 Famalicao, Portugal); Zadok Yohanna (Brighton FC, England); Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove, Czechia); Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme).