The camp of Nigeria’s under-23 national team, Olympic Eagles, will open this Sunday in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, at a 60-room hotel that stands right behind a popular church, Sports247 revealed.
The Olympic Eagles’ abode in-waiting is also a stone’s throw from Dipo Dina International Stadium, where they are expected to commence training on Monday under the eyes of Eric Sekou Chelle, with opportunities for additional drills at the hotel’s in-house gym.
However, Chelle’s players will have to push aside frivolities that could make them try to enjoy readily available comfort spots at a lounge and bar that are located right inside their abode, which is stylishly named AM2PM Hotel & Suites, Ijebu-Ode.
A survey about the team’s impending base camp noted, in part, “The hotel is a frequent choice for travellers seeking comfortable lodging, social events, or a lively nightlife experience in the heart of Ijebu.
“It features around 60 well-designed guest rooms and luxury suites (including the Mambila and Presidential Suites), each built with private balconies, city views, mini-fridges, and laptop workspaces.
“The property includes a large outdoor swimming pool with a patio lounge, a fitness centre/gym, beautifully landscaped garden spaces, an on-site restaurant serving local and continental dishes, and houses the vibrant Zhoosh Nightclub.
“It also has a massive main hall with a seating capacity for over 700 guests alongside smaller mini-halls, making it a prominent hub for weddings, seminars, and concerts. Guests also enjoy free 500+ Mbps high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 front desk services, and complimentary secure self/valet parking.
“It is located at 3/9 Aliu Sulaimon Way (off Molipa Express), Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, right behind the RCCG Shiloh Arena and is a short 7-minute drive from the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium.”
Sports247 gathered further that a total of 31 home-based players have been called up by Chelle ahead of next month’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations second round qualifier against Democratic Republic of Congo.
Both countries will first play at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi, DR Congo on Friday, November 13th, with the return leg scheduled for Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, November 17th.
The winner over two legs of the fixture will reach the final round of the qualifying phase for the U23 AFCON to be held in Egypt next year, at which Africa’s representatives to Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will emerge.
Although Nigeria won Olympic football gold at Atlanta ’96, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze in Rio 2016, they have not qualified in 10 years, while DR Congo’s senior squad stopped the Super Eagles from reaching this year’s FIFA World Cup co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.
