Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has invited 31 players to the U23 Eagles camp ahead of the team’s 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
DAILY POST reports that the invited squad comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards as Nigeria begin preparations for the two legged qualifying encounter.
All invited players are expected to report to the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu Ode on Sunday, October 25, to begin preparations for the crucial tie. However, the foreign based professionals are expected to join the camp at a later date.
The coaching crew will use the training camp to prepare the players for the challenge posed by DR Congo, with Nigeria needing a strong performance across both legs to progress to the next round of the qualifying competition.
DR Congo will host the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, 2026. Nigeria will then welcome their opponents for the return leg four days later at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.
The two matches will determine which country advances to the final round of the qualifiers. The team with the better aggregate result over the two legs will secure progression, leaving both sides with little room for error.
For Nigeria, the immediate priority will be to assemble the squad, build understanding among the players and establish the level of performance required to negotiate the tie successfully. The inclusion of players across all four departments provides the coaching crew with options as preparations get underway.
The qualifying campaign is part of the road to the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Egypt. The continental tournament will also serve as a qualifying competition for the men’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Nigeria will therefore be aiming to overcome DR Congo and keep their hopes of reaching the continental tournament alive, with the outcome of the two legged encounter set to determine whether the U23 Eagles progress to the final stage of the qualifiers.
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
