Nigeria U-23 Eagles ended their preparations for the 2027 U-23 AFCON second-round qualifying tie against Democratic Republic of Congo with a 3-1 victory over Ikenne-based third-division club Grassrunners on Friday.
The match was played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and followed a goalless draw with Remo Stars in the team’s opening warm-up fixture.
Abdulmuiz Adeleke, Habila Simeon and Eventus Itowo scored for the U-23 Eagles as they secured a more positive result in their final practice game before beginning their competitive campaign.
Assistant coach Deniran Ortega led the side during the match, while head coach Eric Chelle watched from the stands.
The starting line-up was largely unchanged from the team that faced Remo Stars. Wonah Williams came into the side in place of Chimobi Igwilo, while Salihu Batunba replaced Eventus Itowo.
The U-23 Eagles will now turn their attention to the two-legged qualifier against DR Congo. The first leg is scheduled to take place in Lubumbashi next Friday, with the return match set for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.
Nigeria did not qualify for the most recent U-23 AFCON tournament, which was held in Morocco. The host nation, the junior Atlas Lions, won the competition after beating Egypt 2-1 in the final to claim their first title.
Nigeria’s only U-23 AFCON triumph came under former Super Eagles striker Samson Siasia. The team defeated Algeria 2-1 in the final to win the tournament.
The stakes in the qualifying competition also include a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The two teams that reach the U-23 AFCON final will earn the continent’s two qualification places for the football event at the Games.
The last Olympic appearance by the U-23 Eagles came at Rio 2016, where Nigeria won the bronze medal.