Chelle calls 31 home-based players for Olympic Eagles' DR Congo qualifier

Nigeria U-23 coach Eric Chelle don name 31 home-based players to begin preparations for Olympic Eagles' two-legged U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Democratic Republic of Congo.

The squad get four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, all from Nigerian clubs. Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City get the most players on the list.

The players suppose report at AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, 25 October. Daily Post report say foreign-based professionals go join camp later.

Wetin dey at stake

The first leg go hold for Lubumbashi at TP Mazembe Stadium on Friday, 13 November. The return leg go be for Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, 17 November.

Whoever win over both legs go move to final qualifying round for U-23 AFCON, wey Egypt go host next year. That tournament go decide Africa representatives for men's football event at 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Nigeria get bye into this second round. DR Congo reach the tie after beating Mauritania over two legs.

For the players on this list, the call-up na rare chance to show themselves in national colours. Nigeria domestic league often dey overlooked when dem dey pick national teams, and strong showing here fit open doors to bigger clubs and better pay.

A decade out of the Games

Nigeria get proud Olympic football record: gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016. But the country never play in men's Olympic football tournament for past decade, dem miss last two editions.

Getting back go mean plenty to Nigerian fans wey still remember Atlanta triumph. E go also bring exposure wey go help home-based players attract scouts.

Wetin happen next: Camp go open in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday. Chelle and him staff go use days before first leg to assess domestic talent wey dem get, with away trip to Lubumbashi on 13 November the first real test.