What Nigeria’s Brighton & Fulham stars said ahead of DR Congo clash

Nigeria’s under-23 stars have asked fans for support ahead of their upcoming game against DR Congo in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

​The under-23s enter a crucial week as they prepare to face DR Congo in a double-header for a slot in the third and final round of qualifiers for the U23 AFCON.

​The U23 AFCON will also serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, meaning a lot is at stake and Nigeria cannot afford to miss out.

​Nigeria first travel to Lubumbashi to face DR Congo this Friday. The team has since landed in the country and commenced preparations ahead of the first leg.

​Coach Éric Chelle invited 23 players to camp for the two games, with the majority based abroad. Ahead of the fixture, several players shared their thoughts.

​DR Congo vs Nigeria: What Under-23 Stars Said Ahead Of Key Clash

​Some of the prominent names Chelle invited to camp, including Chibby Nwoko and Zadok Yohanna, asked for support ahead of the DR Congo clash.

​Yohanna, who currently plays for Brighton, said: “By God’s grace, we will win the game against DR Congo. Both legs, home and away.”

​Fulham talent Nwoko added: “We will win, please support us.”

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Nigeria head into the fixture as slight favourites by virtue of their quality on paper and their pedigree. However, if the coaches do not get their tactics right and the players fail to perform at their best, they could easily be upset.

Early qualification results have already sprung surprises, with Kenya defeating Ivory Coast, South Sudan holding Senegal to a goalless draw, and Eswatini stunning Algeria 2-1.

​Who Will Coach Nigeria’s U23s Against DR Congo?

​Earlier in June, the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Sports Commission handed Éric Chelle a contract to take charge of both the Super Eagles and the under-23 national team.

​The decision was heavily criticised at the time, given that both teams demand full-time focus and individual attention.

​Unfortunately for Chelle and the NFF, fixtures for both the Super Eagles and the under-23s were scheduled for the same day, making it impossible for the tactician to oversee both sides simultaneously.

​Consequently, after conducting early training sessions with the home-based under-23 squad a few weeks ago, Chelle reported to the Super Eagles camp earlier this week.

​In his absence, assistant coaches Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe will take charge of the under-23 side for the double-header against DR Congo.