Abdullahi Umar targets strong Nigeria U23 start in Olympic qualifier

Abdullahi Umar is aiming to help Nigeria U23 secure a positive result away to RD Congo in the first leg of their Olympic qualifying tie in Lubumbashi on Friday.

The Hradec Kralove striker was initially called up to the Super Eagles but was instead released to join the Olympic side for the two-match contest. Nigeria will visit RD Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium before hosting the return fixture four days later.

Umar recognises the challenge awaiting Nigeria but believes the squad is prepared to give everything on the pitch. The forward sees the tie as the beginning of an important journey with the Olympic team and wants the visitors to return home with an advantage.

The first leg will be played on Friday, 13 November, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi. The second match is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.

Inspired by Nigeria’s Olympic history

Umar is also drawing motivation from Nigeria’s achievements at the Olympic Games, particularly the team’s gold-medal success in 1996.

That side included Nigerian football legends such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, whose performances helped create one of the most significant moments in the country’s football history.

The Hradec Kralove attacker hopes to follow in the footsteps of those previous generations and make his own contribution to Nigeria’s Olympic ambitions.

He is aware that the route to Los Angeles 2028 will be long and demanding, but has called on the Nigerian public to support the team as it begins its qualification campaign.

Nigeria must first overcome RD Congo across the two legs, with the outcome of the tie determining which side progresses in the race for a place at Los Angeles 2028.