Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have arrived in Lubumbashi ahead of their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations second-round qualifying first leg against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The entire 23-man squad is now in camp as preparations continue for Friday’s meeting at the TP Mazembe Stadium.
The travelling group includes seven players from the domestic league and 16 professionals based abroad.
Assistant coach Deniran Ortega will oversee the team for both matches in the tie, with head coach Eric Chelle currently engaged with the Super Eagles.
Nigeria will be aiming to secure a positive result in Lubumbashi before the return fixture at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne next week Tuesday.
The two-legged contest will determine which team progresses to the final qualifying round of the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.
The winner will face either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso in the final qualifying round in March 2027.
Nigeria’s arrival completes the squad’s mobilisation for a tie that will be decided over two matches, with the Olympic Eagles needing to negotiate the trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo before returning home for the second leg.