# Eric Chelle hands over Nigeria U-23 Eagles to assistants

> Eric Chelle delegates Nigeria U-23 Eagles to assistants ahead of DR Congo Olympic qualifier.
- Title: Eric Chelle hands over Nigeria U-23 Eagles to assistants
- Summary: Eric Chelle delegates Nigeria U-23 Eagles to assistants ahead of DR Congo Olympic qualifier.
- Keywords: nigeria u-23 eagles, eric chelle, deniran ortega, bright ozebagbe, dr congo, olympic qualifier, africa u-23 cup of nations, 2027, Premium Times Nigeria
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/924130-eric-chelle-hands-over-nigeria-u-23-eagles-to-assistants-ahead-of-dr-congo-olympic-qualifier.html
- Author: Gbemidepo Popoola
- Published: 2026-11-10T13:59:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nigeria u-23 eagles, eric chelle, deniran ortega, bright ozebagbe, dr congo, olympic qualifier, africa u-23 cup of nations, 2027, news, politics
## Eric Chelle hands over Nigeria U-23 Eagles
Eric Chelle has handed over the Nigeria U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, to his assistants Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe.
## Preparation for DR Congo qualifier
The Olympic Eagles prepare for their crucial 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against DR Congo.
## Dual coaching responsibilities
Chelle manages dual roles as head coach of both Super Eagles and Olympic Eagles.
## Training camp details
The Olympic Eagles spent two weeks in a closed training camp at Remo Stars facility in Ikenne.
## Handover timeline
Chelle handed over to assistants during final week of training program with Super Eagles coach stepping in periodically.
## Team composition
From seven defenders, three are home-based while four are foreign-based; two NPFL goalkeepers and one foreign-based.
## Defensive strategy
Chelle wants home-based NPFL players for defense due to African football strength needs.
## Formation change
Olympic Eagles likely to adopt 4-3-3 system under Ortega and Ozebagbe instead of Chelle's diamond formation.
## Squad departure plan
Home-based contingent departs Nigeria today while foreign players link up in Lubumbashi for Friday's match.
## Tournament significance
The qualifier determines Nigeria's chances for 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
## Immediate challenge
Ortega and Ozebagbe must ensure Nigeria remains on course for U-23 AFCON appearance.
## Media confirmation
Team's Media Officer Niyi Busari confirmed handover during News Central TV interview.
## Player return plan
Chelle informed players during October friendly that most would return to Olympic Eagles for DR Congo qualifiers.
## Next steps
Olympic Eagles face two-legged battle with DR Congo to qualify for 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
## Key takeaway

Eric Chelle hands over Nigeria U-23 Eagles to assistants Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe for DR Congo Olympic qualifier.