Chelle’s mystery Super Eagles invitee: 4 U23 stars who could earn a first call-up

Eric Chelle is expected to name two different Super Eagles squads this week, with Nigeria preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and an October friendly against Russia, Afrik-Foot reports.

Blueprint reports that the AFCON squad should contain at least one new player, but the identity of that player has not been officially confirmed.

Nigeria begin their AFCON campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Morocco to face Guinea-Bissau four days later. Tanzania are also in Group L, while Nigeria will enter the qualifiers looking to build on their third-place finish at the 2025 AFCON.

The Russia match on October 6 offers a different route into Chelle’s plans. The coach is expected to use a largely Under-23 squad, giving younger players an international audition. With Chelle also now in charge of the U23 team and the Olympic qualifiers starting in November, several young Nigerians have a clear pathway into the senior side.

Possible first Super Eagles invitees

George Ilenikhena

The Al-Ittihad forward is the most obvious name after a blistering start to the Saudi Pro League season. Ilenikhena has scored four goals and supplied two assists in six league appearances, including two goals against Al-Nassr and two assists in a 3-1 win at Al-Faisaly this weekend.

The 20-year-old was born in Lagos and is eligible for Nigeria despite representing France at youth level. He also posted a picture of himself in a Super Eagles shirt last week, while Chelle liked the post. No official senior call-up has been announced, but the signs point strongly in his direction.

Akpe Victory

Akpe has gone from Hungarian football to the Swiss Super League in less than a year. The 20-year-old centre-back joined Basel from Zalaegerszegi in July and has started all seven league matches this season, playing 630 minutes.

His standout performance came in Basel’s 3-3 draw against Young Boys on August 29, when he scored and assisted. At 1.95 metres, Akpe also gives Chelle a physically strong central-defence option for the next generation of the Super Eagles.

Zadok Yohanna

Yohanna has already stepped onto the Premier League stage. Brighton signed the Nigerian winger from AIK on a five-year contract after he scored five goals and supplied four assists in 18 appearances for the Swedish club in 2026.

He has also appeared in the Premier League and UEFA Conference League this season. His Premier League debut came as a substitute in Brighton’s 4-0 win over Aston Villa on August 23.

His club minutes have been limited, but his rise from Nigerian academy football to Brighton in little more than a year makes him an obvious long-term candidate.

David Ozoh

Ozoh is already playing regular Championship football and brings experience in a position Nigeria could need to refresh. Derby County signed the 21-year-old permanently from Crystal Palace in September after he made 47 appearances during his two loan spells at the club.

He played 1,920 Championship minutes last season, making 33 league appearances, and has started twice since returning to Derby this season. His defensive midfield role could make him particularly useful to Chelle as he builds his U23 team and searches for future Super Eagles options.