Nigeria, Oct. 28 -- Nigeria's U-23 national team, the Olympic Eagles, have commenced preparations for next month's U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo, with 28 players participating in Tuesday's opening training session in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The session took place at the Remo Stars Stadium under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle, as the team began its build-up to the crucial qualifying fixtures.

However, Rangers International trio Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa were excused from the session following their arrival from Algeria, where they featured for the Enugu-based club against MC Alger in the CAF Champions League.

The Olympic Eagles are currently based in Ijebu O...