Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has promised attractive winning bonuses for Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, if they secure victories in both legs of their qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Olopade gave the assurance during a virtual meeting with the team’s players and officials on Thursday night, ahead of Friday’s first-leg encounter at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.

The NSC chief disclosed that the Commission had made provisions to reward the team for victories both away and at home, urging the players to return with maximum results from the two matches.

“We have set aside winning bonuses for both home and away matches. All you need to do is pick the six points and see what the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, will do for you,” Olopade told the players.

He reminded the team that the Olympic Eagles operate directly under the NSC, which represents the Federal Government in sports administration, and encouraged them to draw inspiration from the recent recognition and rewards given to Nigeria’s victorious Flamingos following their historic FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup triumph.

Olopade also highlighted the significance of the encounter, recalling DR Congo’s elimination of the Super Eagles from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

He urged the young Nigerians to remain focused, secure positive results in both fixtures and take advantage of the incentives provided by the government.

“Do your part by winning the games and see what we will do for you,” he added.

The first leg will take place on Friday, November 13, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, with the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Nigeria received a bye into the second round of the qualifying series, while DR Congo advanced after eliminating Mauritania 2-1 on aggregate.

The Olympic Eagles are seeking to progress to the final qualifying round of the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The winner of the Nigeria-DR Congo tie will face either Burkina Faso or Sierra Leone in the final qualifying round.

Nigeria last featured in Olympic men’s football at Rio 2016, where the team won bronze, and will be hoping to end its absence from the competition by securing qualification for Los Angeles 2028.