Nigeria U23 head coach Eric Chelle has invited Nasarawa United forward Prince Bawa Oche to replace Sulaiman Sani, Footynaija reports.
Sani has withdrawn from the squad through injury ahead of the Olympic Eagles’ 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The former Flying Eagles star, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Qudsiah FC, will miss both legs after his club confirmed that an injury would prevent him from honouring his invitation to the Nigerian team.
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Chelle has since turned to Oche to fill the vacant spot as Nigeria prepares for the two-legged encounter.
The coach had named a 23-man squad on Sunday, with eight home-based players and 15 foreign-based professionals included in his selection.
The Nigerian contingent is expected to leave for DR Congo today, while the foreign-based players will join their teammates in Lubumbashi.
Nigeria will take on DR Congo in the first leg at the Stade TP Mazembe on November 13. The Olympic Eagles will then host the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, November 17.
Chelle’s side will be hoping to get a good result away from home to put themselves in a strong position before the return leg in Nigeria, where they will have the backing of their supporters.
