Assistant head coach Deniran Ortega will lead the Nigeria U23 side, also known as the Olympic Eagles, for their 2027 U23 AFCON qualifying tie against DR Congo, reports www.aclsports.com.
Ortega, who has been with the home-based lads since camp opened two weeks ago, will continue to work alongside Ikorodu City head coach Bright Ozebagbe in the absence of Eric Chelle, the substantive head coach, who is expected to travel to Uyo this weekend to take charge of the Super Eagles ahead of the 2027 AFCONQ doubleheader against Tanzania.
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Despite reports linking current U17 head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere to the role, it looks done and dusted to have the former 1472 head coach assume responsibility for the team during the two legs.
The 40-year-old was in charge of most of the training sessions on Thursday, and stood on the touchline in the friendly win over Grassrunners on Friday.
The Olympic Eagles are set to travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg of the qualifying fixture on Friday, November 13, which falls on the same day the Super Eagles face Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Their return encounter at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne will also clash with Nigeria’s senior team’s Matchday four meeting with the Taifa Stars.
The winner between Nigeria and DR Congo over the two legs will seal progression into the final round of qualifying, where the winner between Zambia and Burkina Faso will be waiting.
Image credit: Raji Muzamil
