# Nigeria U-23 preparations for AFCON qualifiers > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-u-23-national-football-team-preparations > Updated: 2026-10-28T07:26:06.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Nigeria U-23 national team, known as the Olympic Eagles, has commenced preparations for upcoming qualifying fixtures. The team is preparing for a two-legged Africa Cup of Nations and 2028 Olympic qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under the supervision of head coach Éric Chelle, a 31-man squad has begun training sessions at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. While 28 players participated in the initial sessions, 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 roster, which includes four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders, and 10 forwards, features a mix of international players and domestic talent. 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, with the return leg scheduled for November 17, 2026, at the Remo Stars Sports Complex. The winner of this encounter will advance to the final qualifying round for the 2027 tournament. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: Nigeria Olympic Eagles begin U-23 AFCON qualifier preparations Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have begun training in Ikenne for their upcoming U-23 AFCON qualifying matches against DR Congo. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/olympic-eagles-begin-u-23-afcon-qualifier-training-in-ikenne ### 2026-10-27: Daniel Ihendu joins Nigeria U-23 Eagles squad FC Zurich defender Daniel Ihendu has been called up to the Nigeria U-23 Eagles for Olympic and AFCON qualifying matches. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daniel-ihendu-joins-nigeria-u-23-eagles-squad --- Cite as: Nigeria U-23 preparations for AFCON qualifiers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-u-23-national-football-team-preparations