‘We’ll beat DR Congo all-round’ – Olympic Eagles stars promise ahead of LA 2028 Qualifier

Nigeria U23 invitees Zadok Yohanna, Chibuzo Nwoko, and Peter Edokpolor have expressed strong belief in the Olympic Eagles’ ability to overcome DR Congo and take a major step towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Nigerian side faces their Congolese counterparts in Lubumbashi on Friday in the first leg of their qualifying tie, with a place in the Olympic football tournament at stake.

Despite the challenge of playing away from home, the young Nigerians are confident they can return with a favourable result before the decisive second leg.

In a video posted on social media by the Nigeria Football Federation, Brighton and Hove Albion forward Yohanna was particularly emphatic in his message to Nigerians, promising that the Olympic Eagles would not only win in Lubumbashi but also complete the job on home soil.

“Tomorrow, by God’s grace, we will win our game,” Yohanna said.

“We would win both legs. I assure Nigerians that tomorrow, by God’s grace, we will beat DR Congo. We would beat them home and away. Keep us in prayers.”

Benfica forward Peter Edokpolor also backed the team to deliver in the first leg, assuring supporters that the players are determined to return to Nigeria with victory.

“I assure Nigerians that we are coming home with the victory,” Edokpolor declared.

Fulham midfielder Chibuzo Nwoko, meanwhile, called on Nigerians to rally behind the team as they prepare for what promises to be a difficult encounter in Lubumbashi.

“We are going to win tomorrow. Please come support us,” Nwoko said.

The Olympic Eagles know that a strong performance away from home could put them in a commanding position ahead of the return fixture, as they pursue Nigeria’s first appearance at the men’s Olympic football tournament in 12 years.

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Nigeria last featured at the competition during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, where the team, led by Samson Siasia, claimed the bronze medal after defeating Honduras 3-2 in the third-place play-off.

The country subsequently missed the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 editions, making the current qualification campaign particularly important for a nation with a proud Olympic football history.

A successful two-legged contest against DR Congo would bring the Olympic Eagles closer to ending that absence and securing a ticket to Los Angeles 2028.