Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have begun their preparations for a two-legged 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Head coach Eric Chelle oversaw the team’s first training session on Tuesday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, with 28 players taking part.
The session marked the start of Nigeria’s build-up to the second-round encounter, although three invited players were not yet available after representing Rangers International in the CAF Champions League.
Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa joined camp later after featuring for the Flying Antelopes in their second-leg match against MC Alger of Algeria in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.
The Rangers International trio are expected to train with the rest of the squad on Wednesday, when the Olympic Eagles will hold both morning and evening sessions.
Nigeria are expected to step up their preparations once all the invited players are in camp, with the squad facing a demanding two-match contest against DR Congo.
The Congolese team will host the opening leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, 2026.
The return fixture will be played at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17.
The winner of the tie will progress to the final qualifying round, where they will meet either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso for a place at the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.