Chelle Begins Olympic Mission with 35-Man Foreign-Based U-23 Shortlist
Nigeria U-23 head coach Eric Chelle has stepped up preparations for the upcoming Olympic football qualifiers by drawing up a list of foreign-based players eligible to represent the team.
According to reports, Chelle, who also serves as Super Eagles head coach, is determined to lead Nigeria back to the men’s football tournament at the Olympic Games for the first time since the 2016 edition.
As part of his plans, the 48-year-old has intensified his scouting efforts, monitoring standout talents in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and clubs across Europe and other overseas leagues.
The reported shortlist features 35 age-eligible foreign-based players, including several highly rated youngsters making impressive strides at their respective clubs.
Among those named are Brighton & Hove Albion winger Zadok Yohanna, RB Leipzig winger Sani Suleiman, Umar Abubakar (Famalicão, Portugal), Promise Meliga (Kristiansund BK, Norway), Mubarak Suleiman (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic), Hafiz Umar (Reims, France), Emmanuel Michael (LASK, Austria), Emmanuel Godwin (FK Pardubice, Czech Republic), and Akpe Victory (Zalaegerszeg, Hungary).
The expanded talent pool is expected to provide Chelle with a strong foundation as Nigeria targets a return to Olympic football after missing the last three editions.
Source: OwnGoalNigeria
