Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is planning to use Nigeria’s proposed friendly against Russia on October 6 as an early audition for the country’s U-23 team, with up to 10 overseas based players under consideration for the fixture.
Chelle, who also oversees the U-23 national team, is expected to use the international window to begin assembling a squad for Nigeria’s campaign towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Several young players based in Europe and other foreign leagues have reportedly made the coach’s preliminary list, with Isaac James of FC Alverca, George Ilenikhena of Saudi Arabia, Sabah winger Christian Nwachukwu and KV Mechelen forward Ayodele Adeshina among those expected to be considered.
The proposed Russia fixture would give Chelle an opportunity to assess the players in an international setting while also beginning preparations for the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, which serves as the pathway to the Olympic tournament.
Nigeria’s senior team will have separate priorities during the same period, with the Super Eagles scheduled to continue their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
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The proposed arrangement would allow the younger players to form the core of the squad for the Russia friendly while Chelle maintains his focus on both national team assignments.
The coach is also expected to continue monitoring the domestic scene as he builds a wider pool of eligible U-23 players. Selected NPFL matches are expected to form part of his scouting programme, giving promising home based talents an opportunity to enter the national team picture alongside those playing abroad.
Nigeria have a strong Olympic pedigree in men’s football, winning gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games before taking silver at Beijing 2008. Chelle’s early planning therefore reflects an attempt to build the next generation well ahead of the qualification process.
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The Russia fixture is expected to serve as the first major assessment opportunity for the new U-23 setup, Chelle will have the chance to compare overseas based prospects with players emerging from the NPFL as Nigeria begins building towards the Los Angeles Olympics.
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