2027 U-23 AFCONQ: Ortega to lead Olympic Eagles in Chelle’s absence

Deniran Ortega will take charge of Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles in the absence of head coach Éric Chelle, for their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations second-round qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo, DAILY POST reports.

Chelle, who also handles the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, is expected to travel to Uyo this weekend to oversee preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.

With the two fixtures coinciding, Ortega, the Olympic Eagles’ first assistant coach, will assume responsibility for the team during the encounters against DR Congo.

The Olympic Eagles will travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg of the qualifying tie on Friday, November 13, the same day the Super Eagles are scheduled to host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The return leg, scheduled to take place at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, will also coincide with the Super Eagles’ Matchday Four encounter against the Taifa Stars.

Ortega, a UEFA-licensed coach, will be supported by the team’s other assistant coach and backroom staff as the Olympic Eagles seek to secure a positive result against DR Congo and progress in the qualifying campaign.