Nigeria's U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, have temporarily released seven players from camp to allow them to feature for their respective clubs in this weekend's Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matches, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The decision followed requests submitted by several NPFL clubs to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), seeking the release of their players ahead of their domestic league commitments.
Olympic Eagles media officer Niyi Busari confirmed the development in an update shared with sports journalists on the team's official WhatsApp platform, stating that seven players had been granted permission to return to club duty.
The players are Utake Emmanuel of Rivers United, Joshua Jofrank of Nasarawa United, Owelayafa Alex of Bendel Insurance, Olughu Onu Chinemerem of Nasarawa United, Samuel Victor Umoh of Sporting Lagos, Muhammad Muhammad Umar of Nasarawa United and Ikechukwu Junior of Ikorodu City.
Nasarawa United have the highest representation among the clubs involved, with three players released, while Rivers United, Bendel Insurance, Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City each have one player returning to their squad.
The temporary arrangement will give the affected clubs additional options for their weekend fixtures, while ensuring the players remain involved in competitive football ahead of the Olympic Eagles' next assignment.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian U-23 side are continuing preparations for their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying campaign, with a two-legged encounter against the Democratic Republic of Congo scheduled for November.
The Olympic Eagles are expected to travel to DR Congo for the first leg on November 13, before hosting the return fixture on November 17 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The technical crew will continue working with the remaining players as they prepare for the crucial qualifying tie, with the overall objective of securing progress in the race for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.