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Ortega Takes Over Nigeria U-23s As Chelle Shifts Focus to Senior Team

“Deniran Ortega, first assistant and UEFA-licensed coach, assumes full control of the U-23 team for the trip, with support from his fellow assistant and backroom staff”

Per Second NewsNovember 5, 20261 Mins read86

By Samuel Akpan

Eric Chelle will temporarily step down from his role with the U-23 Olympic team to focus solely on the Super Eagles during their upcoming double-header against DR Congo.

Deniran Ortega, first assistant and UEFA-licensed coach, assumes full control of the U-23 team for the trip, with support from his fellow assistant and backroom staff due to Chelle’s Super Eagles schedule.

The teams meet in the second round of the 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, fighting for a spot in the final qualifying round.

PerSecondNews reports that the first leg falls on November 13, 2026.

That same day, the Super Eagles will face Tanzania in a 2027 AFCON qualifier.

Success in the two-legged tie is vital for Nigeria’s bid for the 2027 U-23 AFCON in Egypt and a Los Angeles 2028 Olympics berth.