4 Super Eagles stars who could be Eric Chelle’s U-23 AFCON cheat codes

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle now doubles as the Nigeria under-23 team, and he has started preparation in earnest ahead of the under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which will start in November, Afrik-Foot reports.

Chelle has a very big job in his hands, as he has to select a solid squad and prepare them ahead. This month, he will get an opportunity to assess some of those players, as he will prioritize under-23 talents for the friendly game against Russia October 6.

Duing his time as coach, the Franco-Malian tactician has been able to blood in many new talents into the Super Eagles, and there is the belief that he wil try to move some of them into the under-23s to at least, give the team an edge.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations U-23 tournament is more than an age-group competition. It is also part of Africa’s qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, making Nigeria’s campaign an important test of the country’s next generation.

Nigeria will enter the qualifying process in the second round, where the Olympic Eagles will face the winners of the first-round tie between Mauritania and DR Congo.

In this article, Afrik-Foot writes about four Super Eagles stars who could become valuable additions to Nigeria’s U-23 AFCON plans.

1. Benjamin Fredrick

Date of birth: 28 May 2005

Benjamin Fredrick is arguably the most obvious candidate for this list. The centre-back has already gained experience with the Super Eagles, despite being one of the younger players in Nigeria’s senior setup.

He played in the World Cup qualifiers and the playoffs, and he distinguished himself, benching then-captain William Troost-Ekong.

That exposure could be invaluable in a tournament where defensive organisation and composure can determine whether a team advances through difficult qualifying ties.

Fredrick’s ability to operate centrally or on the left side of defence gives him tactical flexibility. He is also developing in European football, where the demands of positioning, physical duels and playing out from the back are particularly high.

For the Olympic Eagles, Fredrick could offer a combination of youth and experience that is not always available at this level.

His presence would also give Chelle a defender who already understand how he likes to operate.

2. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro

Date of birth: 25 November 2004

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro could provide the Olympic Eagles with the kind of energy and forward thrust that can change a match.

The midfielder developed through Remo Stars before moving to Inter Milan and gaining experience on loan at Sampdoria and Pisa. His career in Italy has exposed him to tactical demands that could help him adapt to international football.

Akinsanmiro is comfortable operating in central or advanced midfield positions. His ability to carry the ball, press opponents and make forward runs could give Nigeria another dimension in the middle of the pitch.

Although he was at the last AFCON with Nigeria, he is not yet an established Super Eagles starter. But that is what makes the U-23 AFCON pathway important. It could provide him with a platform to take on greater responsibility and show that he is ready for a bigger role in Nigeria’s football structure.

3. Leonard Ngenge

Date of birth: 12 September 2007

Leonard Ngenge is one of the younger names who could add excitement to Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles plans.

The defender’s versatility is a major attraction. His ability to operate as a centre-back or on the left gives Chelle more options when building a defensive structure, especially in a competition where squad flexibility can be crucial.

Ngenge has also begun gaining senior international exposure, which makes his development worth following closely. He was part of Chelle’s team for the CHAN tournament last year.

Although he is still at an early stage of his career, his age means he has considerable room to develop before the tournament reaches its decisive stages.

He is currently signed to Leeds United’s junior team, and his mix of the experience of playing abroad and playing in Nigeria will be key.

4. Aderemi Adeoye

Date of birth: 29 January 2007

Aderemi Adeoye is another young Nigerian who could offer the Olympic Eagles a useful combination of energy and defensive discipline.

The midfielder has already received senior international exposure, as he was at the Unity Cup earlier in the year. This makes him an interesting candidate for a team that could benefit from players familiar with the demands of the Super Eagles environment.

Adeoye can play in central midfield, where his defensive awareness and ability to cover ground could help Nigeria maintain balance.

That could be particularly important in the U-23 AFCON qualifiers, where the Olympic Eagles may need to manage matches carefully.

All these players above have worked with Chelle, and it would augur well for the team, as they understand what he wants and how he wants to play. It would be easier for the other new lads to blend into the system.