Daniel Ihendu joins Nigeria U-23 Eagles squad

FC Zurich defender Daniel Kelechi Ihendu has been called up to the Nigeria U-23 Eagles for a two-legged Africa Cup of Nations and 2028 Olympic qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 21-year-old centre-back, who has previously played for Werder Bremen and RB Leipzig, expressed significant enthusiasm for the invitation. Ihendu stated that playing in the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup remains his primary ambition, citing inspiration from Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup team and the 1996 Olympic gold-medal-winning squad.

Ihendu, who can also play as a libero, is expected to feature in the upcoming fixtures in Kinshasa. Observers suggest that the current U-23 squad could form the core of the senior Super Eagles team for the 2030 World Cup.