Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have begun preparations for their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The team held its first training session on Tuesday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, with head coach Éric Chelle overseeing the session.

A total of 28 players took part in the training as Nigeria stepped up preparations for the crucial second-round encounter.

Rangers International trio Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa arrived in camp later after featuring in the club’s CAF Champions League second preliminary round second-leg match against MC Alger of Algeria.

The three players are expected to join their teammates in training on Wednesday, when the squad will hold morning and evening sessions.

The Olympic Eagles are expected to intensify preparations as they work towards having all invited players available ahead of the two-legged tie.

DR Congo will host the first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, 2026, while the return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.

The winner of the tie will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso in the final qualifying round for the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.