Eric Chelle Invites Fulham's Chibby Nwoko to Super Eagles

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle contacted Alex Iwobi before inviting Fulham midfielder Chibby Nwoko to Nigeria's squad for an international friendly against Russia scheduled for October 6 in Nizhny Novgorod. This marks Nwoko's first call-up to the national team, and he has accepted the invitation.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who has three caps for England U18s, is eager to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria after unsuccessful attempts to join the Flying Eagles and Olympic Eagles. Nwoko needs to resolve documentation issues due to the expiry of his Nigerian passport, but this will not hinder his participation in the friendly.

Chelle's decision was influenced by Iwobi's positive assessment of Nwoko, and he was impressed after watching Nwoko's debut for Fulham on August 27 against AFC Wimbledon. The Nigerian Football Federation is seeking clarification from FIFA regarding Nwoko's eligibility, as he was born in London but has Nigerian roots in Umuahia South, Abia State.