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LA 2028 Olympics Race: Chelle Invites 31 Home-Based Players for Crucial DR Congo U23 AFCON Qualifiers

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Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has invited 31 home-based players to the Olympic Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s crucial U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the country intensifies preparations for a return to Olympic men’s football at Los Angeles 2028.

Sports247 reports that the provisional squad comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards drawn largely from clubs competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

All invited players are expected to report to AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Sunday, October 25, ahead of the two-legged qualifying encounter scheduled for November.

Nigeria will travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg against DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17.

The aggregate winner will progress to the final qualifying round for the U23 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Egypt. The continental tournament will serve as Africa’s qualification pathway for the men’s football competition at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Nigeria received a bye into the second qualifying round, while DR Congo advanced after eliminating Mauritania.

Sporting Lagos have five representatives in the squad, including goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defender Hillary Zion, midfielders Victor Samuel and Muhammad Salihu, and forward Ayoola Olaniyan.

Rivers United contribute four players, while Warri Wolves also have four representatives. Ikorodu City, Nasarawa United and Rangers International are among the other clubs represented.

The invitations provide an opportunity for domestic league players to demonstrate their qualities at international level. Nigeria’s men’s football team has enjoyed considerable Olympic success, winning gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.

However, the country failed to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 tournaments. The upcoming qualifiers therefore represent another opportunity to rebuild Nigeria’s Olympic football ambitions.

With Chelle assembling a squad dominated by domestic talents, attention now turns to preparations in Ijebu-Ode as the Olympic Eagles target a positive result against DR Congo and another step towards Los Angeles 2028.

FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers (4): Chinemerem Olughu (Nasarawa United), Clinton Andy (Rivers United), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City).

Defenders (9): Gift Subi (Warri Wolves), Hillary Zion (Sporting Lagos), Emmanuel Utake (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Rangers International), Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City), Kenneth Igboke (Rangers International), Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United), Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United), Aliu Sugau (Barau FC).

Midfielders (8): Freeman Wuchirwe (Bendel Insurance), Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos), Umar Mohammed (Nasarawa United), Lucky Oraro (Warri Wolves), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Sani Shuaibu (Warri Wolves), Muhammad Salihu (Sporting Lagos), Jude Eventus (Warri Wolves).

Forwards (10): Junior Ikechukwu (Ikorodu City), Timothy Zechariah (Rivers United), Williams Wonah (Enyimba FC), Ayoola Olaniyan (Sporting Lagos), Chijioke Samuel (Enyimba FC), Jofrank Joshua (Nasarawa United), Chimobi Igwilo (Rangers International), Alex Oweifaleya (Bendel Insurance), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme), Habila Simon (Wikki Tourists).

The post LA 2028 Olympics Race: Chelle Invites 31 Home-Based Players for Crucial DR Congo U23 AFCON Qualifiers appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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National Football Teams

Super Falcons to Face Algeria in Two-Match Friendly Series Ahead of Future International Assignments

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons are set to face Algeria in a two-match friendly series during the November/December 2026 international window as the 10-time African champions continue preparations for future international engagements.

Sports247 reports that the double-header will see both teams meet first in the Algerian capital, Algiers, before travelling to Tizi-Ouzou for the return fixture four days later.

The first encounter is scheduled for Monday, November 30, at the 5 July 1962 Stadium in Algiers, with kick-off set for 6:00 pm.

The teams will meet again on Friday, December 4, at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi-Ouzou. The second match is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm.

The fixtures will provide the Super Falcons with an opportunity to test their readiness, assess their squad options and build match fitness ahead of their upcoming international commitments.

For Algeria, the two meetings against the reigning African champions will offer a valuable opportunity to measure their progress against one of the continent’s most established women’s national teams.

The Super Falcons, who have won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations a record 10 times, will be looking to make the most of the international window through competitive action against the North African side.

With two fixtures scheduled within four days, the series is expected to provide both technical crews with useful opportunities to assess their players and fine-tune their preparations.

NIGERIA vs ALGERIA

First Leg

– Date: Monday, November 30, 2026

– Kick-off: 6:00 pm

– Venue: 5 July 1962 Stadium, Algiers

Second Leg

– Date: Friday, December 4, 2026

– Kick-off: 5:00 pm

– Venue: Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium, Tizi-Ouzou

The post Super Falcons to Face Algeria in Two-Match Friendly Series Ahead of Future International Assignments appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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Tanzania’s Early Arrival In Uyo Puts Super Eagles Under Instant Pressure Ahead Of Friday’s 2027 AFCON Qualifier

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The decision by Taifa Stars of Tanzania to arrive early in Uyo ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier has put their hosts under instant pressure heading into the game, Sports247 gathered.

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Tanzania’s decision to arrive four days before the game billed for Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is mostly due to issues of acclimatisation, but there is also the extra psychological boost it gives them regarding familiarity with the environment.

As it were, while the Taifa Stars looked totally focused, with a full and complete squad on arrival, their hosts’ camp was far from full heading into Wednesday, which is just two days to the game.

While the visitors were able to quickly settle down and soon began full training, the only early arrivals in Nigeria’s camp were Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi on Tuesday evening, followed by Arthur Okonkwo, Benjamin Fredrick, Alhassan Yusuf, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Moses Simon.

A total of 14 players were expected to arrive Wednesday, which meant Nigeria’s plans were 48 hours behind those of the visitors, whom the Super Eagles must defeat home and away in order to topple Guinea-Bissau from the top spot of the group table.

Sports247 reports further that a shock 3-0 win for Guinea-Bissau at home against Nigeria took them top of the group with six points, while the Super Eagles are second with three points, followed by Madagascar on one point, same with Tanzania.

The post Tanzania’s Early Arrival In Uyo Puts Super Eagles Under Instant Pressure Ahead Of Friday’s 2027 AFCON Qualifier appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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Osimhen Injury Blow: Super Eagles Lose Key Striker Ahead of Tanzania AFCON Qualifiers

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Nigeria have suffered a major setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with Victor Osimhen ruled out after sustaining a left knee injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Stuttgart.

Sports247 reports that the Super Eagles striker reportedly picked up the injury after slipping and falling while attempting to make a pass during the European fixture.

The playing surface appeared slippery, and the incident raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his injury.

Osimhen’s latest setback will be a significant concern for both Galatasaray and Nigeria, given his importance to their attacking ambitions.

The forward has become a central figure for the Super Eagles, and his absence leaves the national team without one of its most influential attacking options for the upcoming international fixtures.

Questions have also emerged over why the striker continued playing until the final whistle despite concerns that he had sustained an injury.

While the full circumstances surrounding the medical team’s decision remain unclear, an earlier assessment or substitution could have been considered to avoid exposing the player to further risk.

However, without an official medical explanation, it would be premature to conclude that his continued involvement worsened the injury.

For Nigeria, the timing could hardly be more challenging. The Super Eagles must now prepare to face Tanzania without a striker whose presence, movement and goal threat offer a major advantage in crucial qualifying matches.

The development also renews concerns about Osimhen’s recurring injury problems, with supporters hoping the latest setback will not keep him out of action for an extended period.

As the Nigerian international begins his recovery, attention will turn to the medical assessment and rehabilitation process, with both club and country eager to see him return to full fitness.

Everyone will be hoping for a successful recovery and a stronger return for one of Nigeria’s most important players.

The post Osimhen Injury Blow: Super Eagles Lose Key Striker Ahead of Tanzania AFCON Qualifiers appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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