Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s decisive U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Michael Atata, Daniel Daga and promising youngster Abdulmuiz Adeleke among the notable inclusions.

The selection forms part of Nigeria’s preparations for the two-legged qualifying contest as the country pursues a place at the U-23 AFCON finals in Egypt next year. The tournament will serve as the qualifying platform for Africa’s representatives at the men’s football event of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Goalkeeper Atata, who has previously received invitations to the Super Eagles, will battle for the starting position alongside Samuel James of Finland’s SJK FC and Clinton Andy of Rivers United.

In defence, Chelle has selected Christian Akpan, Victory Akpe, Vince Osuji, Emmanuel Godwin, Odinaka Alfred, Emmanuel Ochobi and Aliu Sugau, while the midfield department features Daniel Daga, John Otomewo, Wilfred George, Chibuzor Nwoko, Aderemi Adeoye, Sadiq Saleh and Victor Samuel.

The attacking options include Peter Edokpolor, Sulaiman Sani, Umar Abubakar, Zadok Yohanna, Abdullahi Umar and Adeleke, who will be expected to provide the attacking firepower for the Nigerian side.

The seven players based in Nigeria are expected to depart the country on Tuesday ahead of the first leg scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, DR Congo.

The return fixture will take place on Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, where the Olympic Eagles will look to secure qualification for the next stage of the competition.

23-MAN OLYMPIC EAGLES SQUAD

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).