According to a report by Daily Post on Monday July 6, 2026, Nigeria U23 head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly drawn up a list of foreign-based players eligible to represent the Olympic team as preparations begin for the country’s next qualification campaign.
Chelle, who also serves as head coach of the Super Eagles, is said to be determined to guide Nigeria back to the men’s football tournament at the Olympic Games after the country failed to qualify for the last two editions.
As part of his plans, the coach has reportedly intensified scouting efforts both within the Nigeria Premier Football League and among young Nigerian talents playing abroad.
According to the report, Chelle has identified as many as 35 age-eligible players based overseas who are being monitored for possible inclusion in the Nigeria U23 squad.
Among the players said to be on the shortlist are newly signed Brighton & Hove Albion winger Zadok Yohanna, RB Leipzig winger Suleiman Sani and Famalicão forward Umar Abubakar, who are regarded as some of the leading prospects in their respective clubs.
The reported list also includes Promise Meliga of Kristiansund BK in Norway, Mubarak Suleiman of Slavia Prague, Hafiz Umar of Reims, Emmanuel Michael of LASK, Emmanuel Godwin of FK Pardubice and Akpe Victory of Hungarian side Zalaegerszeg.
The inclusion of several players from clubs across England, Germany, Portugal, France, Austria, the Czech Republic, Norway and Hungary highlights the wide pool of young Nigerian talent currently developing in European football.
Chelle is reportedly keen to blend the best foreign-based prospects with outstanding home-based players as he begins building a competitive squad capable of securing qualification for the Olympic Games.
Nigeria last featured in the men’s Olympic football tournament at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, where the team claimed the bronze medal. Since then, the country has been unable to qualify for the competition.
While no official squad has been announced, the reported shortlist offers an early indication of the players being monitored as Chelle begins preparations for the Nigeria U23 team’s upcoming assignments.
COURTESY: BigSport
