Daniel Ihendu targets Olympics and World Cup after Nigeria U-23 call-up

FC Zurich defender Daniel Kelechi Ihendu says playing at the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup remains his biggest ambition after being invited to join Nigeria’s U-23 Eagles.

The 21-year-old centre-back, who is 6ft 4in, has been called up for Nigeria’s two-legged U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Ihendu, speaking from Switzerland, said his ambitions were shaped by watching footage of Nigeria’s 1994 FIFA World Cup team and the side that won Olympic football gold at Atlanta 1996.

“I am really excited by my invitation,” said Ihendu, who can also play as a libero.

“My dream as a little boy is gradually taking shape. I had always wanted to play at the Olympics after watching clips of the exploits of the Dream Team at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.”

Ihendu previously played for Werder Bremen and also spent time with RB Leipzig before joining FC Zurich.

Ihendu inspired by Nigeria’s Olympic success

The defender said he continues to draw motivation from the Nigeria team that famously won gold in Atlanta, having overcome Brazil in the semi-final before beating Argentina in the final.

“I am not tired of watching that team,” he said. “Each time I watch the games leading to their gold-medal-winning feat, I get inspired.

“The team’s celebrations after the final game remind me of the USA ’94 Eagles, and I have always prayed to be part of a team that will achieve as much as those teams did.

“Playing at the Olympics and in the World Cup has long been my dream. I am always motivated whenever I come across videos of the USA ’94 team and the Atlanta ’96 squad. This is why I am very excited about the invitation to the U-23 Eagles.”

The call-up represents an important stage in Ihendu’s bid to realise those ambitions.

“For me, it is the first step towards fulfilling my dream,” he said. “I hope to give my very best if I am fielded, because that will be the second step towards realising my goal.

“The Nigerian team is hugely talented, with players who can hold their own at any time. I count myself privileged to have been invited to join this team.

“I look forward to having a good time with the rest of the U-23 Eagles squad as we work together, hopefully to bring back the joy of ’94 and ’96. I must thank coach Eric Chelle for calling me up, and I promise to do my best.”

Nigeria begin Olympic qualifying campaign

Nigeria will play the first leg against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, 13 November 2026, at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.

The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The winners of the tie will qualify for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. That tournament will determine Africa’s representatives at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.