Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is reportedly monitoring Liverpool academy defenders Wellity Lucky and Noah Adekoya ahead of the Olympic Eagles’ upcoming U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
The two youngsters have attracted the attention of the Malian tactician as he assesses potential additions to the squad ahead of Nigeria’s qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Adekoya and Fulham youngster Chibuzo Nwoko have reportedly expressed their willingness to represent Nigeria after being contacted by the Nigeria Football Federation.
While Nwoko has already made his international debut for Nigeria in a friendly against Russia, Adekoya is yet to make an appearance for the country.
Adekoya joined Liverpool from Burnley in January 2026 and has scored once in four appearances for the club’s Under-21 side in Premier League 2, according to the supplied report.
Lucky, who was born in Zaragoza, Spain, is also eligible to represent Nigeria through his parentage. He could additionally represent Spain and England, having lived in England for more than five years.
The defender has represented England at under-15 and under-16 levels and has also received an invitation to attend a Spain Under-17 training session.
Lucky has already gained some exposure to Liverpool’s senior setup. He was named in seven first-team matchday squads and made an appearance in a Carabao Cup fixture against Crystal Palace in October 2025.
His eligibility for multiple national teams makes his international future one to watch as Nigeria considers options for its youth sides.
The Olympic Eagles are scheduled to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the U-23 AFCON qualifiers in November 2026. The fixtures form part of Nigeria’s efforts to secure a place at the continental tournament.
Chelle’s reported interest in the Liverpool prospects reflects the importance of identifying eligible young players with experience in competitive European academies as Nigeria prepares for the qualifying campaign.
