Ortega to Lead Nigeria's Olympic Eagles in AFCON Qualifiers

Deniran Ortega has been appointed to take charge of Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles for their 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations second-round qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo, as head coach Éric Chelle will be absent. Chelle, who also manages the Super Eagles, is set to travel to Uyo to oversee preparations for the senior men's national team’s double-header against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.

The Olympic Eagles will play the first leg in Lubumbashi on November 13, coinciding with the Super Eagles' match against Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The return leg will take place at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, also on the same day as Nigeria’s Matchday Four clash against Tanzania.

Ortega, a UEFA-licensed coach, will be supported by the other assistant coach and backroom staff as they aim for a positive outcome against DR Congo to progress in the qualifying campaign.