Chelle’s Super Eagles squad: 3 rising Nigerian stars making strong case for Tanzania

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are preparing for their November Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Eric Chelle expected to name his squad next week.

The former African champions will face Tanzania in two matches as they continue their preparations for the continental assignment. Although Chelle already has an established group of players he trusts, the latest performances of several Nigerian youngsters in Europe could force him to consider fresh options.

The Super Eagles coach has shown that he is open to integrating emerging talents into his AFCON plans. Chelle’s next squad announcement could offer another opportunity for players who have impressed at club level to get their chances.

Here are three players who could strengthen Nigeria’s options against Tanzania.

3 youngsters who could make Super Eagles squad for Tanzania

Emmanuel Ayaosi

At just 21, Emmanuel Ayaosi is building an exciting profile at Slavia Prague, where his attacking contributions have made him one of the Nigerian youngsters worth watching this season.

The forward has scored four goals and provided four assists in nine appearances for the Czech champions this season. A youngster who can contribute to both the scoring and creative sides of his team’s attack is one Chelle cannot ignore.

Ayaosi’s ability to threaten the opposition goal while creating opportunities for teammates could make him an interesting option for Chelle.

The Super Eagles team is in need of versatile attackers who can offer a different option when facing opponents that defend deep and leave limited space for conventional centre-forwards.

Ayaosi can be Chelle’s solution to that problem, particularly against Tanzania.

Umeh Emmanuel

Umeh Emmanuel is another young Nigerian whose performances at FC Zurich deserve attention.

The 22-year-old, a former Nigerian youth international, has registered four goals and three assists in ten appearances this season.

Strong, fast and with an eyes for a dribble or two, Emmanuel is more than just a goalscorer.

Chelle would love that the former Botev Plovdiv lad presses the opponent’s defence tirelessly, contributes to team build-up, provides the final pass, and strikes the ball well from in and round the box.

With Chelle preferring Ademola Lookman as a second striker and Moses Simon’s output dipping in recent times, Emmanuel can be Nigeria’s new goalscoring threat from the left flank.

Rafiu Durosinmi

Rafiu Durosinmi has perhaps the most compelling case among the three because he has already experienced senior international football.

The 23-year-old striker has scored six goals in eight league appearances for Genk this season. That return makes him a forward Chelle should keep under consideration as he evaluates his attacking options.

Durosinmi already featured for Nigeria during the Unity Cup but was subsequently left out of the squads for the September AFCON qualifiers and October friendly against Russia.

Chelle boasts incredible options in the centre-forward role, with Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Akor Adams and Kelechi Iheanacho all in line for selection ahead of the November games.

Durosinmi, though, offers an entirely different profile to these established stars. He is arguably Nigeria’s closest talent to Nwankwo Kanu, with a technical ability and game intelligence that belies his age.

The Super Eagles need goals against Tanzania and Chelle will make the task easier by inviting players who have the ability to get the job done.