Eric Chelle hands over Nigeria U-23 Eagles to assistants ahead of DR Congo Olympic Qualifier

The development brings some clarity to the questions surrounding how the Malian tactician intends to manage his dual responsibilities as head coach of both the Super Eagles and the Olympic Eagles

Eric Sekou Chelle has handed over the Nigeria U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, to his assistants, Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe, as preparations intensify for their crucial 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against DR Congo.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced in June 2026 that Chelle would take charge of Nigeria’s U-23 team alongside his existing role with the senior national side. However, with both teams scheduled to compete in important qualifying fixtures this November, concerns had emerged over how he would divide his attention between the two assignments.

While the Super Eagles prepare to continue their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Tanzania, the Olympic Eagles are gearing up for a two-legged battle with DR Congo, leaving Chelle with little option but to delegate responsibilities.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that the former Mali international has now entrusted the Olympic Eagles to Ortega and Ozebagbe, with Ortega expected to take the lead in overseeing the team’s preparations and technical direction.

The arrangement was confirmed by the team’s Media Officer, Niyi Busari, during an interview on News Central TV.

The Olympic Eagles have spent approximately two weeks in a closed training camp at the Remo Stars facility in Ikenne. Chelle was initially involved in the team’s preparations but reportedly handed over to his assistants during the final week of the training programme, with the Super Eagles coach only stepping in periodically to make tactical corrections.

The team is also not expected to operate with Chelle’s familiar diamond formation. Instead, the Olympic Eagles are likely to adopt a 4-3-3 system under the supervision of Ortega and Ozebagbe.

The decision to delegate the Olympic Eagles assignment comes after Chelle had already involved several players from the U-23 setup in the Super Eagles squad for October’s international friendly against Russia.

It is understood that the coach informed the players during that period that most of them would return to the Olympic Eagles squad for the upcoming qualifiers against DR Congo.

Busari also shed light on the composition of the squad, explaining that Chelle wants a strong home-based presence in the defensive department, particularly in goalkeeping, while foreign-based players are expected to provide much of the team’s quality in midfield and attack.

“In the squad, from the seven defenders, the home-based team have three defenders, while four are foreign-based. In terms of goalkeepers, there are two from the NPFL, and one foreign-based.

“From the goalkeeping to the defence line, the coach wants a situation where they are NPFL players because of the strength needed for African football, while the midfield and the attack would be made up of foreign-based players,” Busari said.

Chelle has since left the Olympic Eagles’ camp in Ikenne to join the Super Eagles in Uyo, leaving Ortega and Ozebagbe with full responsibility for the team’s final preparations ahead of the trip to DR Congo.

The home-based contingent of the Olympic Eagles is scheduled to depart Nigeria today, while the foreign-based players are expected to link up with the squad in Lubumbashi ahead of Friday’s first-leg encounter.

The two-legged contest against DR Congo will determine Nigeria’s chances of advancing in the race for a place at the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Beyond continental qualification, the tournament carries added significance as it will also serve as the qualifying competition for the men’s football event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

With Chelle now focused on the Super Eagles and his assistants taking charge of the Olympic Eagles, the immediate challenge falls on Ortega and Ozebagbe to ensure Nigeria remain on course for another appearance at the U-23 AFCON.