Kevin Carlos: 2 things Eric Chelle needs to see before Super Eagles call-up

Italian Serie A club Cagliari have stepped up their search for a new striker by opening talks with French side OGC Nice over the signing of Kevin Carlos, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 25-year-old forward, who was born in Spain but is also eligible to represent Nigeria through his father, has emerged as one of Cagliari’s main transfer targets ahead of the new Serie A season.

TuttoMercatoWeb reports that negotiations between both clubs are already underway. Kevin Carlos’ representatives from the Leaderbrock agency have also held discussions with Cagliari president Tommaso Giulini as the Sardinian club works on both the transfer fee and the player’s personal terms.

Cagliari are not alone in the race. English Championship side Preston North End are also monitoring the striker and could still submit an official offer.

Kevin Carlos joined OGC Nice in August 2025 after enjoying an impressive campaign with Swiss club Yverdon Sport. The powerful 1.86m striker remains under contract with the Ligue 1 club until June 2030. Known for his strength, aerial ability and hold-up play, Kevin Carlos is comfortable linking attacks with quick lay-offs while also finishing with either foot. Those qualities have made him an attractive option for clubs looking for a complete centre-forward.

Why Serie A could boost his Super Eagles chances

Kevin Carlos has yet to make his senior international debut for either Spain or Nigeria, meaning he remains free to choose his national team. Although he was born in Ceuta, Spain, the striker’s disposition is tilted towards representing Nigeria instead of the world champions. However, breaking into the Super Eagles squad will not be easy.

Nigeria already boasts one of Africa’s strongest attacking groups, with Victor Osimhen leading the line alongside established names such as Akor Adams, Victor Boniface and Paul Onuachu. A successful move to Serie A could therefore give Kevin Carlos the platform he needs to move closer to his first Super Eagles invitation under head coach Eric Chelle.

1. Showing he fits Eric Chelle’s tactical style

Chelle has shown that he values forwards who can work well in different attacking systems rather than relying on one type of striker.

While Osimhen remains Nigeria’s first-choice centre-forward, the coach has also looked at partnerships that require a striker who can combine with teammates, press defenders and link play effectively. Venezia attacker Akor Adams, previously at Sevilla, has excelled in that role.

If Kevin Carlos becomes a regular starter for Cagliari, he will have the chance to prove that he can perform those duties every week in a notoriously tough Italian top flight. His ability to hold up the ball, bring teammates into attacks and compete physically against experienced Serie A defenders could make him an attractive option whenever Chelle wants to rotate his squad or change his tactical approach.

2. Proving himself through performances, not reputation

Since taking charge of the Super Eagles, Chelle has made it clear that places in his squad will be earned through performances rather than reputation.

The Malian coach has expanded Nigeria’s scouting network and regularly follows players across Europe’s top leagues, including those who may not receive much media attention.

That approach could work in Kevin Carlos’ favour. If he secures regular playing time at Cagliari and consistently scores against top Serie A opposition, his performances will become difficult for the Super Eagles coaching staff to ignore.

Strong displays in Italy would not only show that he can cope with high-level football but also strengthen his case as another physical and hardworking option behind Osimhen. For a player still waiting for his first senior international cap, excelling in Serie A may be the quickest route to finally wearing the green and white shirt of Nigeria.