Nigeria’s U‑23 squad named for DR Congo qualifiers

Camp launch On 25 October, the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu‑Ode will host the start of the Olympic Eagles’ training camp. Coach Eric Chelle has summoned 31 players who play for clubs within Nigeria to prepare for a crucial two‑leg fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Squad composition The roster is divided into four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and ten forwards. Players from clubs such as Sporting Lagos, Ikorodu City, Rivers United and Nasarawa United feature prominently. The selection gives Chelle a broad domestic talent pool to assess before the decisive matches.

Qualifying context Nigeria entered the second round of the 2028 U‑23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after receiving a bye in the first round. The DR Congo side earned its place by defeating Mauritania over two legs. The first leg of the Nigeria‑DR Congo tie will take place on 13 November at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, with the return leg scheduled for 17 November at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne‑Remo.

Olympic ambitions The winner of the two‑leg tie will progress to the final qualifying round of the U‑23 AFCON, which will be held in Egypt next year. Success there would secure a berth for Nigeria at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where the country has a proud Olympic football pedigree, having won gold in 1996, silver in 2008 and bronze in 2016.

Looking ahead With the Olympic Eagles set to regroup after missing the last two Olympic tournaments, the camp and upcoming fixtures represent a key opportunity to re‑establish Nigeria’s presence on the international stage. The coaching staff will use the camp to fine‑tune tactics and build cohesion among the home‑based players before the high‑stakes matches against DR Congo.