Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is expected to trim his squad as preparations intensify for the team’s two-legged U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
Chelle initially invited 31 home-based players for the first phase of the training camp as he assessed domestic talent ahead of the crucial qualifiers. The players reported to camp in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, to begin preparations for the November fixtures.
The squad had an early opportunity to impress the technical crew in a friendly against Nigeria National League side Remo Stars on Saturday. The encounter ended in a goalless draw.
Following the assessment, some players are expected to be released as the coaching staff works towards finalising the squad for the two-legged encounter.
The domestic-based players retained will form part of the group preparing for the qualifiers, with foreign-based professionals also expected to join the camp.
Reports indicate that several of the overseas-based invitees featured for Nigeria in the 3-3 international friendly against Russia. Their arrival is expected to depend on the completion of their club commitments.
Chelle will look to combine the experience of the foreign-based contingent with the domestic players who make the final squad as the Olympic Eagles seek to advance to the final qualifying round of the U-23 AFCON.
Nigeria will face DR Congo in the first leg in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return fixture at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, November 17. The winner over the two legs will progress to the final qualifying round for the tournament in Egypt in 2027.
The tie is a significant step in Nigeria’s campaign to return to the men’s Olympic football tournament at Los Angeles 2028, having missed the last two editions.
