DR Congo vs Nigeria: Zadok Yohanna, Peter Edokpolor in Olympic Eagles Confirmed XI

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have confirmed their starting line-up for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying first-leg encounter against DR Congo in Lubumbashi.

Samuel James captains the team and starts in goal, while Christian Akpan, Victory Akpe, Daniel Daga, Emmanuel Godwin and Vince Osuji are also named in the starting XI.

Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna, Benfica forward Peter Edokpolor and Umar Abubakar complete the attacking trio, with Wilfred George and Victor Samuel also included.

Nigeria’s confirmed starting XI vs DR Congo

Goalkeeper: Samuel James (C)

Defenders: Christian Akpan, Victory Akpe, Emmanuel Godwin, Vince Osuji

Midfielders: Daniel Daga, Wilfred George, Victor Samuel

Forwards: Peter Edokpolor, Zadok Yohanna, Umar Abubakar

Olympic Eagles’ substitutes

Sadiq Saleh, Odinaka Alfred, Michael Atata, John Otomewo, Elias, Chibuzor Nwoko and Abdullahi Umar.

Your #U23Eagles to take on DR Congo pic.twitter.com/JkjYt8q8AR

— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) November 13, 2026

Zadok Yohanna leads Nigeria’s attack

Yohanna is one of the notable inclusions in the starting line-up after reports identified the Brighton winger as part of the expected three-man attack alongside Edokpolor and Umar.

The selection also gives Molde midfielder Daniel Daga an opportunity to influence proceedings as Nigeria seek a positive result away from home.

The first leg takes place at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, with the return fixture scheduled for November 17 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.

Nigeria must win the two-legged tie to reach the next qualifying round on their journey towards the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt, which will also determine Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Olympic Games.