According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Ukraine-based goalkeeper Abdulmajeed Danladi has received an invitation to join Nigeria’s U-23 team ahead of their upcoming two-legged Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).

Head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly added the 20-year-old shot-stopper to his plans for the crucial qualifying fixtures after being impressed by his performances for Kryvbas U-21 in Ukraine.

Danladi has continued to develop within the club’s youth system, having been promoted from the U-19 team two years ago. His progress has also earned him a place on the bench of Kryvbas’ senior team am for league matches this season.

The invitation provides the young goalkeeper with an opportunity to gain valuable international experience with Nigeria’s U-23 side as the team prepares for the important qualifying campaign.

Danladi is expected to join the Nigerian squad in DR Congo for the first leg of the encounter before the team returns home for the second match.

Meanwhile, Chelle is reportedly working towards assembling a balanced squad featuring players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and footballers currently playing abroad. The coach hopes to guide the team successfully through the qualifying rounds.

However, it remains uncertain whether Danladi will be selected as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper for the two matches.

According to the report, Chelle is also expected to invite three goalkeepers from NPFL clubs, in addition to two other shot-stoppers based outside Nigeria.

With several players competing for the available positions, the battle for the goalkeeping spots is expected to be competitive as each candidate attempts to impress the coaching staff ahead of the two crucial encounters.