Eric Chelle calls up NPFL stars as Nigeria U23 begin preps for DR Congo clash
Eric Chelle has invited players from the Nigeria Premier Football League for an early training camp as the Olympic Eagles prepare for their U23 AFCON qualifying tie against DR Congo.
Nigeria U23 head coach Eric Chelle has invited players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to an early training camp as the Olympic Eagles step up preparations for their upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Chelle, who also manages the senior Super Eagles, plans to assess the home-based players over two weeks before finalising his squad for the November encounter against DR Congo.
The training camp is expected to provide domestic-based talents with an opportunity to earn places in the final squad, which will also feature players plying their trade abroad.
The coach has already evaluated several foreign-based prospects during Nigeria’s 3-3 international friendly draw against Russia on October 6. The match provided valuable preparation for the U23 side ahead of the upcoming qualifying campaign.
Nigeria will face DR Congo in a two-legged second-round tie, with the first leg scheduled for November 9 and the return fixture on November 17. The winner will advance to the final qualifying round for the 2027 U23 AFCON in Egypt.
The tournament also represents a pathway to the men’s football competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Nigeria have not featured in the men’s Olympic football tournament since Rio 2016, when the country won bronze.
Eric Chelle will therefore be under pressure to assemble a competitive squad capable of navigating the qualifiers and restoring the nation’s presence on the Olympic stage.
