Foreign-based professionals invited to the Olympic Eagles are expected to arrive at the team’s camp this weekend as Nigeria intensifies preparations for their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Their anticipated arrival comes after the home-based players produced an unimpressive display in a friendly match against Nigeria National League (NNL) side Remo Stars, which ended in a goalless draw on Sunday.

The result has increased the expectation surrounding the arrival of the foreign-based players, who are expected to strengthen the squad ahead of the crucial two-legged qualifying tie.

Among those scheduled to join the team are Abdullahi Bewene, who plays for Banik Ostrava in the Czech Republic; Peter Edokpolor of Benfica in Portugal; Isaac James of Alverca, also in Portugal; and Abdullahi Umar, who features for Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic.

The Olympic Eagles opened their training camp two weeks ago as they began preparations for the second-round qualifying tie against DR Congo in the race to secure a place at the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

DR Congo will host the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, while the return fixture is scheduled to take place in Ikenne four days later.

The two-legged contest will determine which country progresses to the third-round playoffs, which are scheduled for March 2027.

Nigeria will be hoping to secure a positive result across both legs to keep their qualification hopes alive, with the arrival of the foreign-based players expected to provide additional options for the team ahead of the encounter.