Chelle picks Atata, Daga, Adeleke for U23 clash with DR Congo

Head Coach Èric Chelle has named goalkeeper Michael Atata, midfielder Daniel Daga, and young star Abdulmuiz Adeleke in his squad of 23 players for the U23 AFCON qualifying matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Atata has been called up to the Super Eagles several times. He will compete with SJK FC’s Samuel James and Clinton Andy for the starting spot. Nigeria aims to secure a place in the finals, which will take place in Egypt next year. From there, Africa's teams for the 2028 Olympics Men's Football Tournament will be decided.

The squad also includes defenders Victory Akpe, Vince Osuji, and Emmanuel Ochobi. Midfielders Chibuzor Nwoko and Aderemi Adeoye are on the list, as well as forwards Peter Edokpolor, Zadok Yohanna, and Umar Abubakar.

Seven players from Nigeria will leave for DR Congo on Tuesday. They will play the first leg at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi on Friday, 13 November. The second leg is set for Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, 17 November.

23 PLAYERS READY FOR DR CONGO MATCHES:

Goalkeepers: Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland); Clinton Andy (Rivers United); Michael Atata (Ikorodu City)

Defenders: Christian Akpan (Genk FC, Belgium); Victory Akpe (FC Basel, Switzerland); Vince Osuji (Tromsø IL FC, Norway); Emmanuel Godwin (Pardubice FC, Czechia); Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United); Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United); Aliu Sugau (Barau FC)

Midfielders: John Otomewo (Reims FC, France); Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway); Wilfred George (Kristiansund FC, Norway); Chibuzor Nwoko (Fulham FC, England); Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City); Sadiq Saleh (FC Metta, Latvia); Victor Samuel (Pardubice FC, Czechia)

Forwards: Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal); Sulaiman Sani (Al-Qadsiah FC, Saudi Arabia); Umar Abubakar (FC Famalicao, Portugal); Zadok Yohanna (Brighton FC, England); Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove, Czechia); Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme)