Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has invited 31 home-based players to the Olympic Eagles’ camp ahead of next month’s two-legged U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The invited players, comprising four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, are expected to report at the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, 25 October, as Nigeria begin preparations for the decisive encounter.

The first leg will take place at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, 13 November, while the return leg is scheduled for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, 17 November.

The winner over the two legs will advance to the final round of the qualifying series for next year’s U23 AFCON in Egypt, where Africa’s representatives at the men’s football tournament of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will emerge.

Nigeria, who won Olympic football gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio de Janeiro 2016, have missed the men’s football tournament at the last two Olympic Games.

The Olympic Eagles received a bye into the second qualifying round, while DR Congo secured their place in the encounter after eliminating Mauritania over two legs.

With a place in the final qualifying round at stake, Nigeria will be seeking to overcome the Congolese and move a step closer to returning to the Olympic football tournament after a decade-long absence.

Chelle’s invitation of 31 home-based players provides an opportunity for the coaching crew to assess domestic talent ahead of the crucial fixtures.