Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles strengthened their preparations for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo with a 3-1 friendly victory over Grassrunners Academy.

Key takeaways

• Abdulmuiz Adeleke opened the scoring before half-time for the Olympic Eagles.
• Second-half goals from Habila Simeon and Eventus Itowo put Éric Chelle’s team three goals ahead.
• Grassrunners Academy scored a late penalty to reduce the final deficit.
• Nigeria will face DR Congo in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return match four days later.

Friendly win builds momentum

Adeleke, who represented the Flying Eagles at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship, gave the Olympic Eagles the advantage during the opening half.

Habila Simeon, introduced as a substitute, extended the lead around the hour mark. Eventus Itowo then added the third goal with a strike from distance, taking the score to 3-0.

Grassrunners Academy later converted a spot kick, ensuring the match ended 3-1.

DR Congo qualifier schedule

The result followed Nigeria’s opening preparation match, in which the Olympic Eagles were held to a goalless draw by Remo Stars, a Nigeria National League side.

DR Congo will welcome Nigeria for the first leg at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13. The second leg is scheduled for four days later at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.