Olympics 2028: Yohanna and Daga in Nigeria's 23 against DR Congo
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
Nigeria coach Éric Chelle has included Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna and Molde midfielder Daniel Daga in a 23-man squad for the two-legged Olympic qualifier against DR Congo. The first leg is on 13 November in Lubumbashi, the return on 17 November in Ikenne-Remo, with assistant Deniran Ortega leading the team in Chelle's absence, according to Vanguard.
Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna and Molde midfielder Daniel Daga are among the 23 Nigerian players selected for the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers against DR Congo, coach Èric Chelle has announced. The list was unveiled ahead of the two-legged second-round tie, which the Olympic Eagles, Nigeria's Olympic team, will play to secure a place at next year's U-23 AFCON in Egypt.
That U-23 AFCON will also determine Africa's representatives at the men's football tournament of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Besides Yohanna and Daga, goalkeeper Michael Atata, several times called up to the senior team, is in the squad alongside Samuel James (SJK FC) and Clinton Andy (Rivers United). Defender Christian Akpan (Genk), Victory Akpe (FC Basel), Vince Osuji (Tromsø), Chibuzor Nwoko (Fulham) and Peter Edokpolor (Benfica) are also selected, as well as seven players playing in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The first leg will be played on Friday 13 November at the TP Mazembe stadium in Lubumbashi, and the return on 17 November at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. Nigeria, exempt from the first round, must eliminate DR Congo over the two matches to reach the final round. Assistant coach Deniran Ortega will lead the Olympic Eagles in the absence of Èric Chelle, who is with the Super Eagles for the double clash against Tanzania in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers; he will be assisted by Bright Ozebagbe, coach of Ikorodu City.
Chelle's move to the senior team comes after Osimhen's withdrawal against Tanzania, which forced the French-Malian coach to reorganise the attack of the Super Eagles.
