Nigeria U23 invitees Zadok Yohanna, Chibuzo Nwoko and Peter Edokpolor have expressed confidence in the Olympic Eagles' ability to overcome DR Congo and take a major step towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.

The Nigerian side will face their DR Congo counterparts in Lubumbashi on Friday in the first leg of their qualifying tie, with both teams seeking to secure an advantage ahead of the return encounter.

Speaking ahead of the crucial fixture, Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna assured Nigerians that the team was determined to win both legs and move closer to securing an Olympic ticket.

"Tomorrow by God's grace we will win our game," Yohanna said.

"We would win both legs. I am assuring Nigerians that tomorrow by God's grace we will beat DR Congo. We would beat them home and away. Keep us in prayers."

Meanwhile, Benfica forward Peter Edokpolor also expressed optimism about Nigeria's chances, promising that the Olympic Eagles would return from Lubumbashi with a positive result.

“I assure Nigerians that we are coming home with the victory,” Edokpolor declared.

Fulham midfielder Chibuzo Nwoko equally called on Nigerians to support the team as they prepare for the important encounter.

"I play for Fulham, we are going to win tomorrow. Please come support us," Nwoko said.

The Olympic Eagles will be aiming to secure a favourable result in the first leg before completing the job at home, as they pursue a return to the men's football event at the Olympic Games.

Nigeria's last appearance in the competition came at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where the team, under former coach Samson Siasia, claimed the bronze medal after defeating Honduras 3-2 in the third-place match.

The country subsequently missed the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic football tournaments, making qualification for Los Angeles 2028 an important target for the U23 side.

Victory over DR Congo across the two legs would move Nigeria closer to ending its absence from the men's Olympic football competition.