Abdulmuiz Adeleke, Habila Simeon and Eventus Itowo scored as assistant coach Deniran Ortega led the side, with Eric Chelle watching from the stands, a week before the first leg in Lubumbashi.
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Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles beat Ikenne-based third-division side Grassrunners 3-1 in their final warm-up game before the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo. The match was played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Friday, November 6.
Abdulmuiz Adeleke, Habila Simeon and Eventus Itowo got the goals for the national team. The result gave the squad a confidence boost after a goalless draw with Remo Stars in their first warm-up fixture.
Assistant coach Deniran Ortega took charge of the game, while head coach Eric Chelle watched from the stands. Chelle also coaches the Super Eagles, so he has had to split his time between the two national teams in this international window.
The starting line up from the first friendly stayed largely the same. Wonah Williams came in for Chimobi Igwilo, and Salihu Batunba took over from Itowo during the game.
Next Up: DR Congo In Lubumbashi
The first leg is scheduled for next Friday, November 13, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi. The return leg follows on Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, and fans who like to learn how betting offers work can read the Bet9ja booking codes for beginners guide before the games.
The tie has been surrounded by health concerns. Earlier reports said Nigeria’s National Sports Commission asked CAF to move the first leg because of the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, and no decision on that request has been reported. CAF has since appointed a full set of match officials, which suggests the fixture is still planned for Lubumbashi.
The stakes are high. The two finalists of the U-23 AFCON earn the continent’s places at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and Nigeria have not played at the Games since winning bronze at Rio 2016.
A Road Back To Major Tournaments
The Olympic Eagles missed the last U-23 AFCON in Morocco, which the host nation won by beating Egypt 2-1 to claim their first title. Nigeria’s only U-23 AFCON triumph came under former Super Eagles striker Samson Siasia, when they beat Algeria 2-1 in the final.
Chelle’s group is built around home-based talent. He invited 31 players from the Nigeria Premier Football League to the camp in Ijebu-Ode, and Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City players are among the biggest contributors. Readers can look at Bet9ja’s YOHAIG qualifier-week offer while they follow the squad.
The warm-up opponents were modest, so the real test begins in Lubumbashi. A good result in the first leg would put Nigeria in control before the second leg at home.
Nigerian football fans have a busy week ahead, with the Super Eagles also in action in the same window. Fans who follow the national teams can check the Bet9ja promotion for Nigeria national team fans before kick-off.
📌 Did You Know?
- Nigeria’s only U-23 AFCON title came under Samson Siasia, with a 2-1 win over Algeria in the final.
- Morocco won their first U-23 AFCON title by beating Egypt 2-1 in the final in Morocco.
- Nigeria last played at the Olympics in Rio 2016, where the team won bronze.
- Twenty-eight players attended the opening Olympic Eagles training session in Ikenne on October 27.
- The two finalists of the U-23 AFCON qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
