2027 U-23 AFCONQ: Olympic Eagles kick-off preparations for DR Congo tie

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

The team had their first training session in Ikenne on Tuesday under the supervision of head coach, Éric Chelle.

28 players took part in the session held at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, Ikenne.

Rangers’ trio Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa later joined the team in camp following their involvement in the Flying Antelopes’ CAF Champions League second preliminary round second leg tie against MC Alger of Algeria.

The trio are expected to be part of the team’s training session on Wednesday. The team will train twice ( morning and evening).

The U-23 Eagles are expected to intensify preparations for the second round tie against DR Congo with all the invited players now in camp.

DR Congo will host the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium, Lubumbashi on Friday, 13 November 2026

The reverse fixture is slated for the Remo Stars Sports Complex, Ikenne on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.

The winner will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso in the final qualifying round.