Nigeria, Nov. 10 -- 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 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.

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 ...