Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have strengthened their backroom team ahead of a decisive two-legged qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the Nigeria Football Federation appointing Prince Sunday Udofia as team coordinator and sports journalist Niyi Busari as media officer.
The appointments come as the under-23 national team prepares to resume camp in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, October 25, ahead of the November qualifiers for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations.
With a place in the next stage at stake, the NFF has added administrative and media experience to the team’s preparations before the squad begins its final build-up to the encounter.
Udofia returns to a national team role after previously serving as team coordinator of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets during their successful defence of the FIFA U17 World Cup title in Chile in 2015.
Under coach Emmanuel Amuneke, Nigeria defeated Mali 2-0 in the final to claim a record fifth title at the tournament.
Udofia’s experience within the national team structure will now be brought to the Olympic Eagles as they prepare for a demanding assignment against DR Congo.
His appointment offers the U23 side an official who has previously worked with a Nigerian team on the international stage, as preparations intensify for the two-legged contest.
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The NFF has also appointed Niyi Busari, an established sports journalist and owner of the online publication BSN Sports, as the Olympic Eagles’ media officer.
Busari will handle the team’s media responsibilities as the squad prepares for its upcoming international fixtures.
Both appointments are expected to take effect as the team resumes camp in Ijebu-Ode on October 25, giving the officials time to join preparations before the first leg in November.
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Nigeria’s immediate focus is a two-legged qualifying encounter against DR Congo, beginning away from home in Lubumbashi.
The first leg is scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the TP Mazembe Stadium, with the return leg set for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.
The aggregate score across the two matches will determine which side advances in the qualifying campaign.
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