The Abuja Times

Olympic Eagles Kick Off U-23 AFCON Qualifier Preparations in Ikenne

The Olympic Eagles have commenced their training for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with their first session held under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle at Remo Stars Stadium. This crucial build-up aims to strengthen the team ahead of the upcoming qualifying matches.

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The Abuja Times

Wed, 28 Oct 2026• 2 min read
Olympic Eagles Kick Off U-23 AFCON Qualifier Preparations in Ikenne
Olympic Eagles Kick Off U-23 AFCON Qualifier Preparations in Ikenne — The Abuja Times Newsroom

The Olympic Eagles, Nigeria's U-23 football team, have officially begun their preparations for the upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Under the watchful eye of head coach Eric Chelle, the team held their inaugural training session at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, marking the start of a vital phase in their quest for qualification.

This training camp is critical for the Olympic Eagles as they look to fine-tune their strategies and build team cohesion ahead of the qualifiers. Coach Chelle emphasized the importance of rigorous training and discipline, stating, "We are here to lay a solid foundation for our campaign. Every session counts as we aim to prepare our players both physically and mentally for the challenges ahead."

As the team gears up for the qualifiers, they will be focusing on enhancing their skills, fitness levels, and tactical awareness. The coaching staff has planned a series of training drills and friendly matches to assess player performance and readiness. This strategic approach is aimed at ensuring that the Olympic Eagles are at their peak when they face their opponents.

With a rich history in youth football, Nigeria aims to reclaim its dominance in the U-23 category, and the upcoming qualifiers present an opportunity to showcase emerging talents. The Olympic Eagles will be counting on the support of fans as they embark on this journey towards continental glory.

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