Nigeria will begin another campaign to qualify for the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games next month when they face DR Congo in a two-legged U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie.
The competition offers Nigeria another opportunity to return to the Olympic stage, having missed the last two editions. The country enjoyed its greatest success in 1996, when the Dream Team won gold in Atlanta, before claiming silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.
Head coach Eric Chelle has been tasked with assembling a team capable of overcoming DR Congo and securing a place at the U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, which will serve as the qualifying competition for the Los Angeles Olympics.
Chelle has already run the rule over several young players as he assesses his options for the upcoming fixtures. Some of the U23 prospects were involved in Nigeria’s recent 3-3 international friendly draw with Russia, providing an early indication of the players who could feature in the campaign.
Although the final squad is yet to be confirmed, Footy-Africa scooped that the following five players are among those called up for the two-legged encounter as Nigeria begin their latest attempt to return to the Olympic football tournament.
Abdullahi Bewene (Baník Ostrava)
Already capped at senior international level, Abdullahi Bewene could bring valuable experience to the Olympic Eagles. The versatile right-sided player can operate at right-back and in wider midfield or attacking positions, giving Chelle options across the flank.
Bewene has worked his way through the ranks at Czech club Baník Ostrava, progressing from the academy and reserve side into the first team. His development earned him his first senior Nigeria call-up in June 2026, when he featured in the Super Eagles’ international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
The club rewarded his progress in August by extending his contract until June 2031. Bewene’s first-team involvement has continued into the 2026/27 campaign, with his ability to contribute in different roles making him an interesting option for the U23 side.
His experience at senior international level could also prove useful in helping less experienced players settle into the squad, particularly with Nigeria facing a demanding two-legged tie against DR Congo.
Hussaini Ibrahim (FK Auda)
Hussaini Ibrahim is another young Nigerian making progress in European football which has now received recognition with a U23 call-up. At Latvian club FK Auda, he has shown an eye for goal and the ability to contribute in the attacking third, qualities that could make him a useful addition to Nigeria’s U23 squad.
His numbers in the Latvian Virsliga have offered encouraging evidence of that progress. In the 2026/27 campaign, Ibrahim had recorded four goals in 18 league appearances, giving him a tangible contribution to Auda’s attacking play.
A call-up would provide an opportunity for the youngster to translate his club form to the international stage and compete for a place in the squad preparing to face DR Congo.
Coach Éric Chelle has invited 31 players to the camp of the U23 National Team for next month’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo. https://t.co/01m3SzyAeF
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 22, 2026
Abdulmajid Danladi (Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih)
Abdulmajid Danladi is one to watch among Nigeria’s emerging goalkeeping prospects. The 20-year-old, who stands at 1.92 metres, is attached to Ukrainian side Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, where he has been developing through the club’s youth setup.
Danladi’s progress has brought him closer to first team action for the club as he continues his development as he has featured for the club’s U19 side and U21 team, while also making the matchday squad for two first-team Ukrainian Premier League fixtures.
His height gives him a useful physical presence in goal, while his development at Kryvbas has provided a platform to gain experience in European football.
For a team preparing for an important qualifying tie, competition for the goalkeeping position will be crucial. Danladi’s inclusion would allow the technical crew to assess his readiness and potential at international level, even as he continues to work towards establishing himself in senior club football.
Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Králové)
Abdullahi Umar is among the young Nigerian forwards seeking to establish themselves in European football. The striker plays for Czech side FC Hradec Králové, where he is continuing his development against senior opposition.
Umar, 19, made his senior international appearance for Nigeria in the 3-3 friendly draw with Russia in October. He featured for 45 minutes in the encounter, gaining valuable exposure at a higher level as the U23 qualifiers approaches.
At club level, Umar has also been gaining experience in the Czech top flight. His involvement with Hradec Králové gives him an opportunity to develop his movement, physical presence and decision-making against established defenders.
Nigeria will need attacking options capable of offering different qualities against DR Congo, particularly if the tie becomes tight. Umar’s youth and exposure to senior football make him a player worth monitoring as the Olympic Eagles’ squad takes shape.
A place in the U23 setup would give him another opportunity to build on his first senior appearance and show the coaching staff what he can offer in the final third.
Abdullahi Umar ecstatic after assist on Super Eagles debut in Russia thriller
David Moses (Slavia Prague)
David Moses has continued to establish himself in Czech football with Slavia Prague, one of the country’s leading clubs. The Nigerian midfielder is known for combining energy and defensive commitment with the ability to contribute in possession.
Moses made significant progress during the 2025/26 season, recording 26 appearances, 1,679 minutes, one goal and three assists to put his name out there.
Those numbers underline his growing involvement at club level and his ability to contribute beyond the defensive side of midfield.
At 22, Moses brings experience from regular first-team football, which could be valuable to a young Nigeria side preparing for a high-pressure qualifying tie. His work rate and ability to help link defence with attack could also provide balance in the middle of the pitch.
With Nigeria looking to build a team capable of progressing through the U23 AFCON qualifiers, Moses has an opportunity to make a case for himself and show Chelle what he can offer. A strong showing at international level would further strengthen his claim for a regular role in the Olympic Eagles setup.
