Nigeria’s U23 side will face DR Congo in Lubumbashi this Friday, and newly capped Super Eagles forward Abdullahi Umar in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has stated that he wants to make his own Olympic history with Nigeria.
The Hradec Kralove forward was originally lined up for the Super Eagles but has been seconded to the U23 team, the Olympic side, who also play in this international window.
Umar says Nigeria’s showings at the 1996 and 2014 Olympics inspire him as qualifiers for Los Angeles 2028 begin.
“We will do our best to get a good result in Lubumbashi so that the second leg can be easier. I have never been to that country or the stadium, but the truth is that playing away in Africa is very, very tough. We understand what we need to do, and we will go out there and give our best.”
“Nigeria has a lot of good history at the Olympics in football. We were told that our uncles like Okocha and Kanu did Nigeria proud in 1996. I watch a lot of the videos on YouTube, and I want to have that experience. Even in 2014, Mikel Obi and others did well at the Olympics. We have heard all these stories, and we also want to create our own stories in our own time.”
Five key players invited for Nigeria’s U-23 qualifier against DR Congo
“There is still a long way to go before we can qualify for the Olympics, but our own story starts with the away game against the Congolese. My teammates and I will do everything to make sure we get Nigeria to the Olympics, and the journey starts this week. We need the prayers and support of all Nigerians to achieve this.”
The first leg of the two-legged encounter at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Friday, 13th November while the return leg will be at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, on Tuesday, 17th November.
