Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have commenced preparations for their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The team held their first training session on Tuesday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, with head coach Éric Chelle supervising the session.

A total of 28 players participated in the training as the team began preparations 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 Flying Antelopes’ CAF Champions League second preliminary round second-leg clash against MC Alger of Algeria.

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The trio are expected to join their teammates in training on Wednesday, when the team will hold morning and evening sessions.

The Olympic Eagles are expected to intensify their preparations with all invited players in camp ahead of the two-legged tie against DR Congo.

The Congolese side will host the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, 2026, while the return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.

The winner of the tie will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso in the final qualifying round for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

By Adeboye Amosu