FK Auda’s Nigerian midfielder Hussaini Ibrahim in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has expressed excitement about his first official national-team call-up after being invited to represent Nigeria’s U-23 team, the Olympic Eagles.
Nigeria’s U-23 national team will face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the second round of the qualifying series for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a tournament that will also determine Africa’s representatives at the men’s football event of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
With the Olympic Eagles preparing for the two-legged encounter, head coach Éric Chelle is assembling a squad to secure Nigeria’s passage to the final qualifying round.
Ibrahim, who plays for Latvian club FK Auda, has enjoyed a productive 2026 league campaign, the midfielder has made 22 league appearances and scored four goals this season.
Five key players invited for Nigeria’s U-23 qualifier against DR Congo
The 20-year-old, who can also operate on the wings, told Footy-Africa that representing Nigeria is a dream come true.
“Every young Nigerian footballer has a dream of playing for his country, no matter the level, and I am no different,” he said. “To be selected from among all the footballers in Nigeria in my age category is truly an honour. I was very happy when our club secretary told me about it. I will not say I was surprised because I have been praying about it, but I am beyond happy.”
“Nigeria has a lot of good players, and to be selected is a huge honour and a blessing, too. Not many footballers achieve this dream, so I am very happy.”
The midfielder, however, insists that earning a call-up is only the beginning, stressing that the ultimate objective is to help Nigeria qualify for the 2027 U23 AFCON.
“I must also add that getting the call-up is not enough. We have to do our best to make sure Nigeria qualifies for the Olympics. We did not make the last Olympics, so maybe this is a chance to do something good. I am looking forward to the matches, and if I am given a jersey to play, I will do my best to justify my call-up and hopefully help Nigeria win,” he added.
The Olympic Eagles will face DR Congo in a two-legged second-round qualifying tie, with the first leg scheduled for the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, 2026. The return leg will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, November 17.
The winner over the two legs will advance to the final qualifying round, scheduled for March 2027, where a place at the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt will be at stake.
The tournament will also serve as a qualifying tournament to produce Africa’s representatives for the men’s football event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, giving Nigeria an opportunity to return to the competition after missing the 2020 and 2024 editions.
