The Olympic Eagles have received words of encouragement from four of their foreign-based youngsters ahead of Friday’s meeting with DR Congo, with Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna promising Nigerians that the team will fight for victory in both legs of their 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifying tie, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria will face the Congolese in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17.
The two matches are part of the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Egypt. The tournament will also determine Africa’s representatives at the men’s football competition of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Nigeria received a bye in the first qualifying round and must overcome DR Congo to reach the final round. Friday’s first leg will reportedly be played behind closed doors on security grounds.
Yohanna promises victory in both legs
In a video published by the Nigeria Football Federation, Yohanna, who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion, urged Nigerians to keep the team in their prayers and expressed confidence that the Olympic Eagles would beat DR Congo home and away.
“I am assuring Nigerians that tomorrow, by God’s grace, we will defeat DR Congo and we will beat them home and away,” the forward said.
The 19-year-old was joined in the video by Christian Akpan of Belgian side KRC Genk, who asked Nigerians to support the team.
Peter Edokpolor, who plays for Portuguese club Benfica, also sent a message to Nigerians, while Fulham midfielder Chibuzor Nwoko told supporters that the team would win and urged them to come out in support.
All four players are part of the 23-man squad selected for the qualifying tie. However, the team will be without head coach Éric Chelle on the touchline, as he is also preparing the senior Super Eagles for their AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tanzania on Friday.
Assistant coaches Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe will take charge of the Olympic Eagles against DR Congo.
