Olympic Eagles step up qualifiers prep with friendly win

Nigeria’s U23 team, the Olympic Eagles, stepped up preparations for their 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers with a 3-1 friendly win over Nigeria National League side, Grassrunners FC.

The match, their second in the build-up to the double-header against the Democratic Republic of Congo, was played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Friday.

Muiz Adeleke gave Nigeria the lead in the 11th minute, while Habila Simeon doubled it in the 56th minute. Jude Otowowor made it 3-0 in the 65th minute before Akani Fadel pulled one back for Grassrunners in the 82nd minute.

The Olympic Eagles showed improvement in tactical organisation, technical quality and overall cohesion, which will encourage the technical crew ahead of the crucial ties.

They will first face DR Congo in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium on Tuesday, November 17. The team is scheduled to depart for DR Congo on Monday, barring any last-minute changes.

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