Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles began their preparations for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Nigeria National League (NNL) side Remo Stars at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Saturday.
The encounter provided head coach Éric Chelle and his technical crew with an early opportunity to assess their players in a competitive setting as Nigeria intensify preparations for a crucial two-legged qualifying contest against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite creating promising opportunities, the Olympic Eagles were unable to find a breakthrough against a well-organised Remo Stars side, with both teams eventually settling for a share of the spoils.
Ikorodu City midfielder Aderemi Adeoye captained the Nigerian side, while Michael Atata started in goal. Former Golden Eaglets forward Abdulmuiz Adeleke led the attack, supported by Sporting Lagos’ Gafar Olaniyan and Rangers International winger Chimobi Igwilo.
Adeleke came closest to breaking the deadlock, but Remo Stars goalkeeper Emmanuel Olisa produced important saves to deny the forward. Defender Stanley Joseph also made a timely intervention to prevent another dangerous attempt.
Jude Eventus subsequently sent a free-kick narrowly wide as the Olympic Eagles searched for an opening goal.
Chelle made changes as the contest progressed, introducing Rangers International duo Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa, alongside Timothy Zachariah, in an attempt to add fresh impetus to the attack.
Remo Stars, however, remained disciplined defensively and also threatened late in the encounter, with Taiwo Cole forcing Atata into a save with a long-range effort.
Neither side could find the decisive goal, leaving the Olympic Eagles with a draw in their first preparatory fixture.
DR Congo Test Looms
The friendly comes as Nigeria prepare for a decisive second-round qualifying encounter against DR Congo for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.
The first leg is scheduled for November 13 at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, with the return fixture billed for November 17 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Nigeria received a bye into the second qualifying round, while DR Congo secured their place after overcoming Mauritania 2-1 on aggregate.
The winner will advance to the final qualifying round for the continental tournament, scheduled to take place in Egypt in 2027.
The competition will also determine Africa’s representatives at the men’s football event of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Nigeria Target Olympic Return
The qualification campaign carries additional significance for Nigeria, who are seeking a return to Olympic men’s football after missing the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games.
The country has a distinguished record in the competition, winning gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016, its last appearance at the Olympic football tournament.
Chelle is expected to continue assessing his domestic-based options before strengthening the squad with foreign-based professionals ahead of the DR Congo encounter.
The Olympic Eagles will therefore look to build on the lessons from the Remo Stars friendly as preparations enter a more decisive phase.
