Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have received another confidence boost ahead of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign after defeating Nigeria National League side Grassrunners FC 3-1 in a friendly match.
The encounter, played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Friday, formed part of the team’s preparations for an important two-legged qualifying contest against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Olympic Eagles wasted little time making their intentions clear, with Muiz Adeleke opening the scoring in the 11th minute.
Nigeria continued to control proceedings after the break, and Habila Simeon doubled the advantage in the 56th minute.
Jude Otowowor then made it 3-0 in the 65th minute, putting the Olympic Eagles firmly in control before Akani Fadel scored a consolation goal for Grassrunners in the 82nd minute.
Beyond the result, the technical crew will be encouraged by the team’s improved organisation, movement and overall understanding on the pitch.
However, the friendly victory is only one step in the preparation process. The real test will come against DR Congo, a side Nigeria must overcome to keep its Olympic qualification hopes alive.
The Olympic Eagles are scheduled to travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg on November 13, before hosting the return encounter at the Remo Stars Stadium on November 17.
Nigerian football fans will be hoping the team can carry this winning momentum into the qualifiers and take another step towards securing a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.
