The 21 year old FC Zurich centre back says watching Nigeria’s 1994 and 1996 heroes inspired him, and he thanked coach Eric Chelle for the invitation.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
FC Zurich centre-back Daniel Kelechi Ihendu says playing at the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup is his greatest career ambition. His invitation to the U-23 Eagles is a big step towards that dream.
The 6ft 4in defender spoke from his base in Switzerland. The 21 year old said the ambition began when he watched videos of Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup team in the United States and the 1996 Olympic team in Atlanta.
Ihendu is a former Werder Bremen player who also spent time with RB Leipzig. He is a versatile defender who can also play as a libero.
He has been invited to the U-23 Eagles for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Fans who follow the national teams can browse Bet9ja promo codes before the November fixtures.
Inspired by the Dream Team
Ihendu has never hidden his admiration for the Nigeria team known as the Dream Team, which won Olympic gold in Atlanta in 1996. He says he never tires of watching that side.
“My dream as a little boy is gradually taking shape,” he said. He added that clips of the Atlanta 1996 squad have long motivated him.
He also draws inspiration from the USA ’94 Eagles. He says the celebrations after the Olympic final remind him of the 1994 team, and he has always prayed to be part of a side that achieves as much.
Is it realistic to dream that big? Ihendu clearly believes so, and an invitation from coach Eric Chelle gives him a real chance to start. Readers who follow Nigerian football can check this Bet9ja promotion code explainer before the qualifiers.
Eager to Make the Invitation Count
Ihendu sees the call up as the first step towards his goal. He hopes to give his best if he is fielded, which he called the second step.
He described the squad as hugely talented and said he feels privileged to be part of it. He also thanked Chelle for the invitation and promised to do his best.
He is looking forward to working with the rest of the squad. He hopes they can bring back the joy of 1994 and 1996 together.
That is a big ask, but the Olympic route is open again. Nigeria have missed the last two men’s Olympic tournaments, so qualifying for Los Angeles 2028 would end a long wait. Readers can also grab the YOHAIG code for new users before the next fixtures.
DR Congo Await in a Two Legged Tie
Nigeria face DR Congo over two legs in the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as they chase a place at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The first leg is in Lubumbashi, and the second leg is on Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The winner of the tie moves a step closer to the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where Africa’s Olympic representatives will emerge. Ihendu will hope to be part of it.
📌 Did You Know?
- Ihendu was born on September 29, 2005.
- He made seven appearances and played 281 minutes for FC Zurich in 2025/26.
- Nigeria won Olympic gold in 1996 by beating Argentina 3-2 in the final.
- That 1996 gold was the first Olympic football title won by an African nation.
- DR Congo reached this tie by beating Mauritania over two legs in the opening qualifying round.
- If Nigeria beat DR Congo, they still need to win another two-legged tie in March to reach the 2027 U-23 AFCON.
