By Tejiri Omoefe
Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have arrived in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, ahead of tomorrow’s first-leg second-round qualifying match for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations against the hosts.
All 23 invited players are now in camp as the team steps up preparations for the crucial fixture, which will be played at the TP Mazembe Stadium.
The squad comprises seven domestic-league players and 16 foreign-based professionals.
Assistant Coach Deniran Ortega, will lead the team for both legs of the encounter, with Head Coach, Éric Chelle, currently engaged with the senior national team, the Super Eagles.
Following tomorrow’s first leg, Nigeria will host DR Congo in the return fixture at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, Ikenne, next Tuesday.
The winner of the two-legged contest will advance to the final qualifying round, where they will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso in March 2027 for a place at the tournament proper.
