According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Sunday, November 1, 2026, Nigeria U-23 head coach Eric Chelle has dropped 18 players from the Olympic Eagles squad ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Franco-Malian tactician has made the decision following the team's first friendly match against Nigeria National League side Remo Stars, which ended in a goalless draw.

Chelle initially invited 30 home-based players to camp as part of preparations for the two-legged qualifying tie.

However, following his assessment of the players, the coach has decided to release 18 of them.

The development will pave the way for the arrival of 13 foreign-based players expected to join the team later this week.

According to the report, Chelle has already sent invitations to the overseas-based players, most of whom were part of the Super Eagles squad that played out a 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly.

Their arrival has been scheduled for after the conclusion of the latest round of matches involving their respective European clubs, allowing them to maintain their competitive sharpness ahead of the crucial qualifiers.

Nigeria will face DR Congo in the first leg of the second-round qualifying tie at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on November 13, before hosting the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on November 17.

The winner over the two legs will advance to the final qualifying round of the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt, where Africa's representatives for the men's football tournament at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles will be determined.

The Olympic Eagles will be hoping to overcome the Congolese challenge and move closer to securing a return to the Olympic football tournament after missing the previous two editions.