Nigeria U-23 coach Eric Chelle has contacted Norway-based midfielder Daniel Daga and four other foreign-based players as he strengthens his squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to a report by OwnGoalNigeria on Friday, November 6, 2026, the Franco-Malian coach has reached out to five overseas-based footballers, with former Flying Eagles midfielder Daga emerging as the most notable name among them.

Chelle is keen to reinforce the Olympic Eagles ahead of the crucial two-legged encounter as Nigeria pursue a place in the final qualifying round of the competition.

The latest move comes after the coach released 18 players from the initial 30-man list of home-based footballers invited for the team’s preliminary preparations in Nigeria. The departures have opened up opportunities for players based outside the country to join the squad.

The foreign-based contingent is expected to arrive in Nigeria before the weekend or travel straight to DR Congo to link up with the rest of the team ahead of next week’s opening fixture. However, the report stated that some of the players contacted were still waiting to receive their official flight tickets.

Chelle is hoping the additional options will help him assemble a competitive side capable of defeating DR Congo over the two legs and keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes on course.

The first meeting is scheduled to take place in Lubumbashi on November 13, while the return fixture will be played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on November 17.

The team that progresses on aggregate will advance to the final qualifying round of the U-23 AFCON. The tournament will also serve as the qualifying competition for Africa’s representatives in the men’s football event at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.