Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is monitoring 63 overseas-based players for Nigeria’s U23 national team ahead of the upcoming Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Chelle is expected to combine his responsibilities with the senior national team with the task of guiding the Olympic Eagles as they begin their campaign to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, United States.

According to a report, the coach has compiled a watch list of 63 players plying their trade abroad as he assesses the options available for the crucial two-legged encounter against DR Congo.

Nigeria will travel to face the Congolese side in the first leg on November 9, while the return leg is scheduled to take place in Nigeria on November 17.

The fixtures are expected to provide an early test for Chelle as he seeks to build a competitive U23 squad capable of progressing through the qualification process.

63 players spread across four departments

The report stated that the watch list comprises four goalkeepers, 20 defenders, 16 midfielders and 23 forwards.

The distribution indicates that the coach is considering options across all departments, with the forward line accounting for the largest number of players being monitored.

The list is expected to give the coaching crew a broad pool from which to assess players’ abilities, experience and suitability for the Olympic Eagles ahead of the qualifiers.

However, the report did not indicate that the 63 players had been selected for the final squad. Their inclusion on the watch list means they are being monitored as the preparations for the matches continue.

Several players have senior international experience

Among the players identified in the report are goalkeeper Samuel James, Isaac James, Abdullahi Bewene, Vince Osuji, Christian Akpan, Wilfred Igor, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Abdullahi and Abdullahi Umar.

ScoreNigeria reported that several of the players being tracked have already earned caps for the Super Eagles.

Their experience with the senior national team could provide additional options for Chelle as he evaluates players for the U23 side, although their eventual participation in the qualifiers will depend on the final selection.

The presence of players already familiar with international football could also be useful as the team prepares for a demanding two-legged tie against DR Congo.

Focus shifts to Olympic qualification

Nigeria’s encounter with DR Congo is part of the qualification campaign leading towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The Olympic Eagles will need to navigate the qualifying rounds to secure a place at the tournament, making the November fixtures an important assignment for the team.

Chelle’s reported decision to monitor 63 overseas-based players highlights the range of options under consideration as he prepares for the challenge.

Like the senior national team, the U23 side is expected to draw significantly from Nigerian players based abroad, according to the report.

The final squad list and further details of the team’s preparations were not provided in the report.