U-23 AFCONQ: U-23 Eagles Invitee Ihendu Talks Up Olympics, FIFA World Cup Dream

FC Zurich centre-back Daniel Kelechi Ihendu says representing Nigeria at the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup remains his greatest career ambition, with his invitation to the U-23 Eagles marking a significant step towards achieving that dream, Completesports.com reports.

The 6ft 4in defender, who spoke to Completesports.com from his base in Switzerland, revealed that his ambition was inspired by watching videos of Nigeria’s celebrated teams at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States and the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

The 21-year-old, a former Werder Bremen player who also had a stint with RB Leipzig, has been invited to the U-23 Eagles for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is delighted that his childhood dream is gradually taking shape.

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“I am really excited by my invitation,” Ihendu, a versatile defender who can also operate as a libero, said.

“My dream as a little boy is gradually taking shape. I had always wanted to play at the Olympics after watching clips of the exploits of the Dream Team at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.”

U-23 Eagles Invitee Inspired By Atlanta 1996 Heroes

The lanky defender has never hidden his admiration for the Nigerian team, popularly known as the Dream Team, which played with remarkable courage and went on to win Olympic football gold in Atlanta in 1996.

Ihendu added: “I am not tired of watching that team. Each time I watch the games leading to their gold-medal-winning feat, I get inspired. The team’s celebrations after the final game remind me of the USA ’94 Eagles, and I have always prayed to be part of a team that will achieve as much as those teams did.

“Playing at the Olympics and in the World Cup has long been my dream. I am always motivated whenever I come across videos of the USA ’94 team and the Atlanta ’96 squad. This is why I am very excited about the invitation to the U-23 Eagles.

Ihendu Eager To Make Invitation Count

“For me, it is the first step towards fulfilling my dream. I hope to give my very best if I am fielded, because that will be the second step towards realising my goal. The Nigerian team is hugely talented, with players who can hold their own at any time. I count myself privileged to have been invited to join this team.

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“I look forward to having a good time with the rest of the U-23 Eagles squad as we work together, hopefully to bring back the joy of ’94 and ’96. I must thank coach Eric Chelle for calling me up, and I promise to do my best.”

U-23 Eagles Face DR Congo In Two-Legged Qualifier

Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a two-legged U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie as they pursue a place at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The first leg is scheduled for Friday, 13 November 2026, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, while the second leg will take place on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The winner of the tie will qualify for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Olympic Games will emerge.