Nigeria's Olympic Eagles have kicked off preparations for their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the squad holding their opening training session at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Tuesday.

Head coach Éric Chelle oversaw the session, which drew 28 players as the team began work on what promises to be a demanding two-legged encounter.

Trio to join camp after continental duty

Three Rangers International players — Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke, and Chibueze Oputa — arrived in camp after featuring in the Flying Antelopes' CAF Champions League second preliminary round second-leg clash against MC Alger of Algeria. The trio are set to link up with the rest of the squad for Wednesday's double training session, which will include both a morning and an evening workout.

With all invited players expected to be in camp by midweek, Chelle's side will step up the intensity of their preparations ahead of the two-leg qualifier.

Fixture details

DR Congo will host the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, 13 November 2026, before Nigeria welcome the Congolese side for the return leg at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Tuesday, 17 November 2026.

The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualifying round for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, where they will meet either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso.