FC Basle Defender Cleared To Play For Nigeria U23 In AFCON Qualifiers

According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Friday, October 30, 2026, FC Basle defender Akpe Victory has been cleared to play for Nigeria’s U-23 team in their upcoming 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Nigeria’s U-23 team received the major boost after the defender recovered from an injury that raised concerns over his availability.

The defender had been an injury doubt after picking up a knock that forced him to withdraw from Nigeria’s 3-3 international friendly draw against Russia on October 6, 2026.

However, according to the report, Akpe has recovered from the injury and has been extended an invitation to join the U-23 national team ahead of the qualifiers.

The FC Basle summer signing has reportedly settled quickly at his new club, with head coach Eric Chelle expecting him to play a leading role in Nigeria’s defence during both encounters against DR Congo.

Chelle, who also manages the Super Eagles, has been overseeing preparations for the qualifiers, with the squad initially made up largely of players selected from clubs across Nigeria.

The Franco-Malian tactician is expected to welcome foreign-based players to the camp in the coming weeks as preparations intensify for the crucial fixtures.

Nigeria will face DR Congo in a two-legged qualifying tie, with the first encounter scheduled to take place away from home on November 9, while the return leg is billed for November 17.

The matches are important to Nigeria’s hopes of securing qualification for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations and keeping their ambition of reaching the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games alive.

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