{
  "id": 19736256,
  "title": "Nigeria’s U23 Dream Team Chasing LA 2028 Olympics Ticket against DR Congo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/nigerias-u23-dream-team-chasing-la-2028-olympics-ticket-against-dr",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-13T01:10:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/11/13/nigerias-u23-dream-team-chasing-la-2028-olympics-ticket-against-dr-congo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's U23 national team coach, Bright Ozebagbe, conveyed confidence in his squad as they prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games qualifying match against DR Congo in Lubumbashi. Ozebagbe emphasized that football is determined by performance over the full 90 minutes, and that the game's outcome is not solely reliant on the venue. He stressed the importance of maintaining consistency over both matches, stating that the team's ability to perform well in both encounters will ultimately decide their progression to the next round. When asked about his knowledge of DR Congo's U23 side, Ozebagbe focused on player preparation, rather than being distracted by the opposition.\n\nOn the other hand, DR Congo U23 head coach Guy Bukasa expressed his determination to secure a convincing victory over Nigeria and secure his team's advancement to the next round. Bukasa drew inspiration from his side's 2-0 home win against Mauritania in the previous qualifying round. While recognizing the strength of the Nigerian team, Bukasa believed that his players could leverage the home advantage and the support of their fans to turn the tide in their favor during the return leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.",
  "summary": "Head Coach of Nigeria’s U23 national team, Bright Ozebagbe, has expressed confidence in his players ahead of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying encounter against DR Congo, insisting that the team",
  "key_points": [
    "Nigeria's U23 coach Bright Ozebagbe confident in squad's 90-minute performance.",
    "DR Congo U23 head coach Guy Bukasa aims for convincing win at home.",
    "Both teams focus on consistency to secure Olympic ticket."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The upcoming qualifying matches force both nations to rely on tactical consistency and home-field advantages to secure their path toward the 2028 Olympic Games.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}