Olympic Eagles face first major hurdle in bid to end Olympic absence

The Olympic Eagles have arrived in Lubumbashi ahead of a crucial encounter that could bring Nigeria one step closer to ending their decade-long absence from the men's Olympic football tournament.

All 23 invited players and officials reached the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday ahead of Friday's 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the hosts.

The players also took part in training on Wednesday afternoon as preparations continued for the first leg of the second-round tie.

Ortega leads Olympic Eagles in Chelle's absence

Assistant coach Deniran Ortega is leading the U23 team because head coach Eric Chelle is with the senior Super Eagles in Uyo for their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania.

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The squad also received a late change after Al-Qadsiah forward Sulaiman Sani was ruled out through injury. Nasarawa United striker Prince Bawa Oche has been called up as his replacement.

Among the players available to Ortega are Daniel Daga, Brighton youngster Zadok Yohanna, FC Basel defender Victory Akpe and goalkeeper Michael Atata.

Nigeria begin two-legged fight for U23 AFCON place

Nigeria received a bye into the second round, while DR Congo reached this stage after defeating Mauritania 2-1 on aggregate.

The tie will be decided over two legs, with the aggregate winner advancing to the final qualifying round in March 2027. The winner will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso for a place at the U23 AFCON finals in Egypt.

The tournament will also serve as the qualification competition for the 2028 Olympic men's football event in Los Angeles, with only the two finalists earning Olympic places.

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