Foreign professionals invited to bolster the Olympic Eagles are anticipated to link up with the squad over the weekend, coming in the wake of an uninspiring 0-0 draw by the home-based contingent against Nigeria National League side Remo Stars. The technical crew decided to fast-track the arrival of the overseas contingent following the underwhelming friendly encounter held on Sunday.
Key overseas-based players slated to join the training base include Abdullahi Bewene, who features for Czech Republic outfit Banik Ostrava; Peter Edokpolor of Portuguese side Benfica; Isaac James representing Alverca in Portugal; and Abdullahi Umar from Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic.
What preparations are currently underway for the U-23 AFCON qualifiers?
The team officially commenced its training program two weeks ago in Abuja as part of intensive preparations for the upcoming 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations second-round qualification fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to the tournament schedule, the Democratic Republic of Congo will welcome the Nigerian side for the opening leg encounter at the TP Mazembe Stadium located in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13. Following the away fixture, the return leg is locked in to hold in Ikenne just four days afterward.
Victorians of this two-legged qualification series will progress directly into the third-round playoffs, which have been slated by football authorities to take place in March 2027.