U23 Eagles Begin Training in DR Congo Ahead of Olympic Qualifiers
Nigeria’s U23 Eagles have started preparations for their 2028 Olympic qualifying campaign with their first training session in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The team arrived in Lubumbashi on Wednesday after leaving Nigeria on Tuesday night. The players took a one-hour rest before returning to training to prepare for Friday’s first-leg match against DR Congo.
The return leg will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on November 17, 2026, with Nigeria hoping to secure a good result at home.
Head coach Eric Chelle had earlier named a 23-man squad for the two matches. The squad includes eight players based in Nigeria and 15 foreign-based professionals.
However, Al-Qadsiah FC forward Sulaiman Sani has been ruled out due to injury. Nasarawa United forward Prince Bawa Oche has been called up as his replacement.
The two matches are part of Nigeria’s journey towards qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
