Abdullahi Umar is hoping to help Nigeria U23 take a significant step towards Olympic qualification when they face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Lubumbashi on Friday.
The Hradec Kralove striker was initially called up to the Super Eagles but has since been made available to the Olympic team for the two-legged qualifying tie.
Nigeria will be aiming to secure a positive result away from home in the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium. Umar recognises the challenge posed by the match but says his team-mates are prepared to give everything on the pitch.
The forward also views the tie as the beginning of an important journey with the Olympic selection. Victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo would keep Nigeria on course in their bid to reach Los Angeles 2028.
Inspired by Nigeria’s Olympic history
Umar is drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s successful Olympic tradition, particularly the country’s gold medal-winning team at the 1996 Games.
That side included Nigerian football icons such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, whose achievements remain a source of motivation for the younger generation.
The Hradec Kralove attacker hopes to follow in the footsteps of those players and contribute to another memorable Olympic campaign for Nigeria.
However, Umar is also aware that the route to Los Angeles 2028 will be long. He has called on the Nigerian public to support the team throughout the qualifying process.
The first leg will be played on Friday, 13 November, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi. The return match is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo.