Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have begun preparations for their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The team held its first training session on Tuesday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, with head coach Éric Chelle supervising 28 players as preparations got under way for the crucial second-round encounter.
Rangers International trio Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa arrived in camp later following their involvement in the club’s CAF Champions League second preliminary round, second-leg fixture against MC Alger of Algeria.
The trio are expected to join their teammates in training on Wednesday, when the squad will hold morning and evening sessions.
The coaching crew is expected to intensify preparations as the remaining invited players report to camp ahead of the two-legged tie.
The first leg will take place at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, 13 November 2026, with the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November, at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.
The Olympic Eagles will be seeking a positive result over the two matches to advance to the final qualifying round of the competition.
The winner of the tie will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso for a place at the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.