Nigeria's Olympic Eagles have touched down in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, as they finalise preparations for their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations second-round qualifying first leg against the hosts.

All 23 players called up for the fixture are now in camp, with the squad made up of seven players from the Nigerian domestic league and 16 professionals based abroad.

Assistant coach Deniran Ortega will lead the team across both legs of the tie, stepping in for head coach Éric Chelle, who remains occupied with senior team duties at the Super Eagles.

The first leg is set for Friday at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi. Nigeria will then welcome DR Congo for the return fixture at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne the following Tuesday.

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