Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, have assembled their full complement of 31 invited players ahead of their crucial 2028 Olympic Games qualifying encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The team commenced preparations on Tuesday morning at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, with 28 players taking part in the opening training session as the technical crew began work on the team’s tactical and physical readiness.

The remaining three players, all members of Rangers International of Enugu, joined the camp later on Tuesday after featuring in their club’s 2026/27 CAF Champions League fixture against MC Alger. The trio comprises Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa, whose arrival completed the squad.

The 31 man contingent consists of four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, giving the coaching crew a broad range of options as preparations intensify for the encounter against the Congolese side.

The goalkeepers are Chinemerem Olughu of Nasarawa United, Clinton Andy of Rivers United, Ebenezer Harcourt of Sporting Lagos and Michael Atata of Ikorodu City.

The defensive options include Gift Subi of Warri Wolves, Hillary Zion of Sporting Lagos, Emmanuel Utake of Rivers United, Marvelous Freedom of Ikorodu City, Odinaka Alfred of Nasarawa United, Emmanuel Ochobi of Rivers United and Aliu Sugau of Barau FC.

In midfield, the squad features Freeman Wuchirwe of Bendel Insurance, Victor Samuel of Sporting Lagos, Umar Mohammed of Nasarawa United, Lucky Oraro and Sani Shuaibu of Warri Wolves, Aderemi Adeoye of Ikorodu City, Muhammad Salihu of Sporting Lagos and Jude Eventus of Warri Wolves.

The attacking department includes Junior Ikechukwu of Ikorodu City, Timothy Zechariah of Rivers United, Williams Wonah and Chijioke Samuel of Enyimba FC, Ayoola Olaniyan of Sporting Lagos, Jofrank Joshua of Nasarawa United, Alex Oweifaleya of Bendel Insurance, Abdulmuiz Adeleke of Sporting Supreme and Habila Simon of Wikki Tourists.

With the squad now complete, the Olympic Eagles are expected to intensify their preparations, focusing on team cohesion, tactical organisation and match fitness ahead of the decisive qualifying tie.

The encounter against DR Congo represents a significant hurdle in Nigeria’s bid to secure a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. 

The Olympic Eagles will be hoping to navigate the qualifying campaign successfully and return Nigeria to the men’s football event at the global sporting showpiece.