Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to invite up to 10 promising U23 players as Nigeria begins preparations for the 2028 Olympic football qualifying campaign.
Chelle, who also oversees the U23 national team, is expected to use Nigeria’s proposed international friendly against Russia on October 6 to assess emerging talents and build a strong squad ahead of the Olympic qualifiers.
Nigeria have a proud history in Olympic men’s football, winning gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games and silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Several young Nigerian players based in Europe, Saudi Arabia and other foreign leagues are reportedly under consideration. They include FC Alverca left-back Isaac James, Saudi-based striker George Ilenikhena, Sabah winger Christian Nwachukwu and KV Mechelen forward Ayodele Adeshina.
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The proposed Russia friendly is expected to provide Chelle with an opportunity to assess the players ahead of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which will serve as the pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The U23 players are expected to form the core of Nigeria’s squad for the Russia fixture, while the senior Super Eagles will have a separate focus during the same international window as they prepare for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle and his technical team have continued to monitor young Nigerian players across Europe, Saudi Arabia and other leagues as they seek to build a strong pool of talent for the Olympic campaign.
The coach is also expected to scout the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in the coming weeks, with selected matches likely to provide opportunities to identify promising home-based players.
The approach could give both foreign-based and domestic talents a pathway into the U23 national team as Nigeria begins its quest to return to the Olympic football podium in 2028.
