Olympic Eagles step up prep in Congo ahead qualifier

Nigeria's Olympic Eagles are currently based in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, in preparation for their upcoming qualifier against the host nation. All 23 invited players and officials arrived on Tuesday in anticipation of the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier scheduled for November 13 at TP Mazembe Stadium. The match will be held behind closed doors due to security concerns.

The return leg takes place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17. This tie is crucial for Nigeria's journey to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and the victor will face either Burkina Faso or Sierra Leone in the subsequent round.

Head coach Éric Chelle will not be present on the sidelines as he is involved in another qualifier against Tanzania. He has entrusted the team to assistants Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe. The team's media officer, Niyi Busari, disclosed that the assistant coaches are anticipated to employ a 4-3-3 formation, diverging from Chelle's customary diamond formation.

Out of the 23 players, eight are based in Nigeria, while 15 are from abroad. Busari mentioned that Chelle desired home-based players in the defense, while the midfield and attack would consist of foreign-based players.

Al-Qadsiah forward Sulaiman Sani is sidelined due to injury, and Nasarawa United's Prince Bawa Oche has been called up to replace him. Fulham midfielder Chibuzor Nwoko has returned after renewing his expired Nigerian passport in London last week. Nigeria last participated in the Olympics in 2016, securing a bronze medal, and missed the 2020 and 2024 editions.