Eric Chelle Confirms U-23 Players Ready for Super Eagles

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle announced that the Nigerian U-23 players who participated in the 3-3 friendly draw against Russia are prepared to join the senior team. The match took place at the Sovcombank Arena in Nizhny Novgorod, where 10 of the 16 players are eligible for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, having been born on or after January 1, 2005.

These players include Samuel James (SJK Seinäjoki), Benjamin Fredrick (Brentford), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Wilfred Igor (Kristiansund BK), Stephen Michael (Vendsyssel FF), Chibby Nwoko (Fulham), Vince Osuji (Tromso), Peter Edokpolor (Benfica), Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove), and Umar Abubakar (Famalicão). Chelle gave competitive debuts to nine emerging talents due to the absence of several established players.

He emphasized that the match was part of Nigeria's preparation for upcoming tournaments, including the African Cup of Nations and the Olympic Games. Edokpolor scored as a substitute in the 78th minute, and Abdullahi Umar assisted Akor Adams for the equalizing goal in stoppage time.