Olympic Eagles step up U-23 AFCON preparations with 23 players in camp

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have intensified preparations for their 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with 23 players and 11 officials currently assembled in Ogun State.

The team began its work under head coach Eric Chelle ahead of a decisive second-round tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The squad initially gathered at the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode before moving training activities to the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The first session was held on Tuesday, October 27, with 28 players taking part.

Five players from Sporting Lagos were among the first arrivals. Four more players later joined the group, along with an assistant coach, while Rangers International players reported after completing their continental commitments.

Chelle and his technical staff have used the sessions to work on fitness, ball control, passing, small-sided games and tactical organisation. The coaching team is also continuing to assess the available players before selecting a squad for the qualifiers.

As part of their preparations, the Olympic Eagles played their first friendly against Remo Stars at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday.

The match finished goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock.

Seven players were later released to return to their clubs because of NPFL commitments. Their departure temporarily reduced the number of players available to Chelle, while the remaining members of the squad continued training in Ijebu-Ode and Ikenne.

The technical crew is using the remaining preparation period to develop a competitive team for the two-legged qualification contest.

Nigeria will play the first leg against DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13.

The return fixture will be staged at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17.

The team that wins the tie on aggregate will progress to the final qualifying round of the U-23 AFCON in Egypt. That tournament will determine Africa’s representatives in the men’s football competition at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.