Nigeria Olympic Eagles begin U-23 AFCON qualifier preparations

Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, has commenced training in Ikenne, Ogun State, ahead of their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Under the supervision of head coach Éric Chelle, the 31-man squad began sessions at the Remo Stars Stadium. While 28 players participated in the initial training, three players from Rangers International—Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke, and Chibueze Oputa—arrived later following their participation in a CAF Champions League fixture against Algeria’s MC Alger.

The squad includes four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders, and 10 forwards. The qualifying tie consists of two legs: the first will be hosted by DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on November 13, 2026, and the return leg will take place at the Remo Stars Sports Complex on November 17, 2026. The winner of this encounter will advance to the final qualifying round to compete for a place in the 2027 tournament.