Eric Chelle Leaves U-23 Camp to Focus on Super Eagles' AFCON Qualifiers

Nigeria's U-23 head coach, Eric Chelle, has temporarily left the team's camp to focus on the Super Eagles' 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania. This decision exposes a scheduling conflict arising from his dual responsibility with the two national teams. Chelle, who was also appointed to oversee the Olympic Eagles, will miss their two-legged U-23 AFCON qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Assistant coach Deniran Ortega will take charge of the team in his absence.

The scheduling conflict stems from both teams' fixtures falling within the same international window. The Olympic Eagles will face DR Congo in the first leg in Lubumbashi on November 13, the same day the Super Eagles host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The return leg in Ikenne on November 17 also coincides with the senior team's second meeting with the Taifa Stars. Ortega, who has worked with the home-based players since the U-23 camp opened two weeks ago, will continue alongside Ikorodu City head coach Bright Ozebagbe.

Ortega handled most of the team's training sessions on Thursday and led the technical crew during their friendly win over Grassrunners on Friday before the team's departure for the DR Congo fixture. Chelle has named 23 players for the qualifying tie, including Brighton forward Zadok Yohanna and Molde FC midfielder Daniel Daga. These players are expected to strengthen Nigeria's challenge in the competition.

The 23-man squad includes goalkeeper Michael Atata and junior international Abdulmuiz Adeleke. Atata will compete with SJK FC's Samuel James and home-based Clinton Andy for the starting position. Other players named include defenders Victory Akpe, Vince Osuji, and Emmanuel Ochobi, midfielders Chibuzor Nwoko and Aderemi Adeoye, as well as forwards Peter Edokpolor and Umar Abubakar.

Seven home-based players in the squad are expected to depart Nigeria on Tuesday for the first leg at Stade TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi. The return fixture is scheduled for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on November 17. Nigeria received a bye in the first qualifying round and must overcome DR Congo over two legs to reach the final round of the qualifiers.

The competition will also determine Africa's representatives at the men's football event of the 2028 Olympic Games. The full squad includes players from various clubs across Europe and Africa. Goalkeepers are Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland), Clinton Andy (Rivers United), and Michael Atata (Ikorodu City). Defenders include Christian Akpan (Genk FC, Belgium), Victory Akpe (FC Basel, Switzerland), and Vince Osuji (Tromsø IL FC, Norway).

The team's performance in the qualifiers will be crucial in determining their chances of participating in the 2028 Olympic Games. The Super Eagles' qualifiers against Tanzania will also be an important test for the team ahead of the 2027 AFCON. Key players to watch include Zadok Yohanna, Daniel Daga, and Peter Edokpolor.

Key points

• Eric Chelle leaves U-23 camp due to scheduling conflict with Super Eagles' AFCON qualifiers.
• Assistant coach Deniran Ortega to take charge of U-23 team in Chelle's absence.
• Nigeria's U-23 team to face DR Congo in two-legged AFCON qualifying tie.