The Olympic Eagles coach has invited 31 home-based players for a two-legged showdown against DR Congo, with Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City among the leading contributors to Nigeria’s preliminary squad.
Éric Chelle has turned to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for reinforcements as the Olympic Eagles begin their pursuit of a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Super Eagles head coach, who also oversees Nigeria’s U-23 team, has invited 31 home-based players to camp ahead of next month’s decisive second-round qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The selection provides a fresh opportunity for domestic league talents to stake their claims for national-team recognition, with the NPFL supplying the entire provisional group ahead of a potentially defining stage of Nigeria’s Olympic campaign.
The invited players are expected to report to the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, October 25, for the start of preparations.
Chelle’s list comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, with Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City particularly prominent in the selection.
NPFL Stars Get Their Opportunity
Sporting Lagos have Ebenezer Harcourt, Hillary Zion, Victor Samuel, Muhammad Salihu and Ayoola Olaniyan named in the squad, while Ikorodu City are represented by goalkeeper Michael Atata, defender Marvelous Freedom, midfielder Aderemi Adeoye and forward Junior Ikechukwu.
Rivers United contribute Clinton Andy, Emmanuel Utake, Emmanuel Ochobi and forward Timothy Zechariah, while Rangers International have defenders Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa alongside attacker Chimobi Igwilo.
Other clubs represented include Nasarawa United, Warri Wolves, Bendel Insurance, Enyimba, Barau FC, Sporting Supreme and Wikki Tourists.
The selection also includes players with senior international experience, notably Igboke, Oputa and Adeoye, whose involvement could add valuable experience to the Olympic Eagles’ preparations.
For the domestic players, the camp represents an opportunity to impress Chelle before the squad is trimmed for the competitive assignment. The coach is expected to assess the home-based contingent before finalising his options for the two-legged encounter.
Lubumbashi Test Before Ikenne Decider
Nigeria will face DR Congo in the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return fixture at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, November 17.
The Olympic Eagles received a bye into the second qualifying round, while DR Congo progressed after overcoming Mauritania over two legs.
The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualifying round of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Egypt in 2027. That tournament will determine Africa’s representatives at the Los Angeles 2028 men’s Olympic football competition.
The assignment carries additional significance for Nigeria, who have not featured in the men’s Olympic football tournament since Rio 2016, where the country won bronze.
Nigeria previously claimed gold at Atlanta 1996 and silver at Beijing 2008, establishing a formidable Olympic pedigree that the current generation will hope to restore.
Chelle’s early decision to assemble a domestic-based group signals the importance of scouting the NPFL as part of the broader Olympic project. The next task is to turn that opportunity into a competitive squad capable of navigating a difficult away fixture before the return leg on home soil.
With the opening match less than three weeks away, the Olympic Eagles’ immediate objective is clear: negotiate the DR Congo challenge and move one step closer to bringing Nigeria back to the Olympic stage.
