Super Eagles: 3 young players who could force their way into Chelle’s November plans

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has been handed a selection headache after several young players impressed during Nigeria’s 3-3 draw against Russia last night.

The friendly was played with a heavily depleted squad after injuries, club releases, visa issues and withdrawals robbed Chelle of some first-team players who were initially invited.

That forced the coach to look beyond his usual options, with a total of nine players debuting for the three-time African Champions in Nizhny Novgorod.

While Nigeria’s comeback from 3-1 down cannot erase the problems exposed, it gave Chelle more depth on the already established Super Eagles squad.

The Franco-Malian tactician revealed that some of the young players showed they could become part of the senior team and that he has around 10 days to decide who he wants to continue working with ahead of the November International break.

3 Super Eagles youngsters Chelle could call in November

1. Peter Edokpolor

None of Nigeria’s debutants made a stronger first impression than Edokpolor.

The Benfica B forward came on in the 71st minute, replacing Moses Simon with the Super Eagles trailing Russia 3-1, but needed only eight minutes to change the mood around the team.

The 19-year-old won the ball in the attacking half, drove towards the Russian penalty area and fired home to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

🦅 FROM 3-1 DOWN TO 3-3! SUPER EAGLES DID IT! 🇳🇬🔥

Kelechi Iheanacho opened scoring, but things went south fast. Down 3-1 against Russia, the Eagles showed true Naija spirit! Osayande Peter Edokpolor gave us hope & Akor Adams came through with dramatic 94th-min equalizer! 😭⚽️ pic.twitter.com/ZtqmLt1B0N

— Ⓜ️ak Vibes (@murtala_AK) October 6, 2026

Nigeria needed somebody willing to carry the ball forward and take responsibility, and Edokpolor provided exactly that.

Benfica also highlighted his excellent individual input after the match, while Afrik-Foot rated him among Nigeria’s standout performers.

For Chelle, that cameo could be enough to earn Edokpolor another opportunity in November.

2. Abdullahi Bewene

The Banik Ostrava right-back started against Russia and played the entire match, providing clear evidence that he can compete for a position where Nigeria needs more depth.

The 21-year-old created Nigeria’s opening goal, combining with Kelechi Iheanacho before the Bursaspor striker produced a superb finish from outside the box.

Afrik-Foot rated Bewene 7/10, noting before the game that he had a point to prove to Chelle, and he did exactly that.

The importance of Bewene’s performance goes beyond the assist. He gave Chelle a young right-back capable of stepping into an experimental team and still producing something meaningful in attack.

Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina remain established options, but Chelle now has another player to monitor closely.

3. Umar Abubakar

Abubakar’s case is the most intriguing of the three because his contribution came in an unfamiliar role.

The Famalicão striker replaced Aderemi Adeoye in the 71st minute and was used towards the right side of the attack rather than through the middle.

That gave Nigeria another runner to run into space as Russia’s defence tired before his big moment came in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Abubakar carried the ball forward before unselfishly finding Akor Adams, who finished to complete Nigeria’s 3-3 comeback.

It was a small but significant demonstration of versatility. Nigeria already has several recognised centre-forwards, so Abubakar’s ability to contribute from the flank could make him more useful to Chelle than simply being another option competing for the No. 9 shirt.

The Russia friendly was never about the result alone. For Chelle and several of the younger players, it was an audition.

Edokpolor showed courage, Bewene demonstrated that he can contribute from right-back, while Abubakar provided a glimpse of the versatility that could make him valuable.

With the coach admitting that he has only a short period to decide who continues into November, all three have given him something to think about.