Mubarak Suleiman drafted into Nigeria U23 squad for DR Congo qualifier

Nigeria senior head coach Eric Chelle has instructed Slavia Prague winger Mubarak Suleiman to join the U23 squad for Tuesday’s second leg against DR Congo, with the team trying to overturn a 2-0 deficit.

Suleiman was an unused substitute in Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Tanzania in the AFCON qualifiers. He did not travel to Zanzibar for Tuesday’s reverse fixture and will instead remain with the U23 side.

The 19-year-old has been called up to strengthen the team’s options out wide after Brighton and Hove Albion winger Zadok Yohanna suffered an injury.

Suleiman had initially been included in the U23 plans before being moved into the senior squad following the injury to Samuel Chukwueze. He will now return to the younger team for their decisive home fixture against DR Congo.

Nigeria must win by at least three goals to progress on aggregate, having lost the first leg 2-0. The aggregate winner will advance to the final round of qualifying for the U23 AFCON.

The U23 AFCON serves as the qualification tournament for the Olympics, making Tuesday’s match important to Nigeria’s hopes of progressing in the competition.