Nigeria’s U23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, have arrived in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo, with all 23 invited players now assembled ahead of Friday’s crucial qualifying encounter.

The Nigerian delegation is in DR Congo for the first leg of their 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations second-round qualifying tie, with head coach Éric Chelle’s squad completing its arrival ahead of the showdown at the Stade TP Mazembe.

The full squad combines seven players from the Nigerian domestic league with 16 foreign-based professionals, reflecting Chelle’s attempt to assemble a competitive team capable of overcoming the Congolese challenge.

Among the notable names in the squad are Fulham midfielder Chibuzor Nwoko, Molde’s Daniel Daga, Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna, Benfica attacker Peter Edokpolor and Genk defender Christian Akpan.

Goalkeeper Michael Atata, who has previously received invitations to the senior Super Eagles, is also included alongside Samuel James of Finland’s SJK FC and Rivers United’s Clinton Andy.

The arrival in Lubumbashi completes an important stage of the Olympic Eagles’ preparations after an extended training camp in Ikenne, Ogun State.

However, Chelle will not lead the team from the touchline for Friday’s encounter, as his responsibilities with the senior Super Eagles have taken priority ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania, also scheduled for November 13.

The Malian tactician has consequently handed responsibility for the Olympic Eagles to his assistants, Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe, who will oversee the team’s preparations and technical direction in his absence. 

The first leg against DR Congo will take place on Friday, November 13, at the Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi, before the teams reconvene for the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, November 17.

Nigeria received a bye in the opening qualifying round and must overcome DR Congo over two legs to advance to the final qualifying round of the 2027 U23 AFCON in Egypt. 

The stakes extend beyond continental football, as the U23 AFCON will also serve as the qualifying competition for Africa’s representatives at the men’s football tournament of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

For Nigeria, who have a proud Olympic football history, the two-legged contest represents an important first hurdle in their quest to return to the global stage.

With the entire squad now in Lubumbashi, attention shifts to Friday’s encounter as Ortega and Ozebagbe seek to guide the Olympic Eagles towards a positive first-leg result before the decisive return match on home soil.