Could Samuel Isife be Eric Chelle’s next Super Eagles option?

Samuel Isife gave Nigeria another reason to watch his progress in Europe after producing an assist in Slavia Prague’s 3-2 Champions League defeat to Lens on Thursday, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 22-year-old right-back started the match at Slavia’s Eden Arena and played an active role at both ends of the pitch. He finished with one assist, one shot, three crosses, two chances created, four interceptions, three clearances and two tackles won.

The result, however, left Slavia without the reward their performance demanded. Lens scored three times to win 3-2, turning what could have been a memorable European night for Isife into a painful defeat for the Czech champions.

Still, the Nigerian’s contribution adds another interesting question for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle. Isife is developing as a right-back who can also play further forward, and his ability to contribute in attack while defending aggressively could give Nigeria another option on the right side.

Slavia lose, but Isife makes his mark

Isife’s assist was only part of a busy performance against Lens. He created two chances, delivered three crosses and helped Slavia build attacks from the right side. His defensive work was just as noticeable, with four interceptions, three clearances and two successful tackles.

That balance was important in a match that Slavia could not control for the full 90 minutes. Isife had to contribute when his team had the ball and also help stop Lens attacks when possession changed. His numbers show a player involved in both phases rather than a full-back who simply stayed behind the attack.

The match also came during a productive start to the 2026-27 season. Isife has already managed two assists in five appearances across all competitions this season, including an assist in a 4-0 league win over Zbrojovka Brno on September 5, when he played the full 90 minutes.

Isife’s rise at Slavia has been gradual. He began his senior career in Nigeria with 36 Lion before moving to the Czech Republic.

Could Chelle have another right-side option?

The Super Eagles already have established choices at right-back, led by Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ryan Alebiosu. Chelle has also used players such as youngsters Abdullahi Bewene and Christian Akpan in that same defensive role. The Malian’s squads have shown that he is willing to give opportunities to players who can offer different qualities.

Isife could eventually fit into that competition because he offers more than one position. While right-back is his main position, the youngster is also effective at right midfield. That versatility could be useful to Chelle if Nigeria want a defender who can move higher up the pitch during attacks. There is clearly an attacking element to his game.

That does not mean Isife is ready for an immediate Super Eagles call-up. Nigeria’s right-back competition is strong, and Chelle has already trusted experienced players in that position. But Champions League football gives Isife a valuable platform to test himself against a higher level of opposition.

His next step is to turn promising performances into a consistent run of games at Slavia. If he continues producing assists, creating chances and defending with the same energy, Chelle will have another Nigerian defender worth considering when the Super Eagles squad is next assembled.