Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that he is closely monitoring a group of eligible dual-nationality players, including Chelsea midfielders Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka, as well as Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu, as part of his plans to strengthen Nigeria’s squad.
Chelle stated that while he has not yet personally contacted the players, he hopes the Nigeria Football Federation NFF will take the lead in initiating conversations.
“The player in Southampton Ugochukwu is on loan from Chelsea, while the other player is also on loan from Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund,” he explained. “They are both good players even though the one at Dortmund has often had to battle injuries.”
Chelle also expressed admiration for Atubolu, who has impressed in the Bundesliga this season. The 22 year old Freiburg shot stopper recently set a record of 577 minutes without conceding a goal and has featured for Germany at various youth levels.
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The Super Eagles boss is optimistic about convincing some of these players to represent Nigeria, bolstering the national team ahead of crucial international fixtures, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Editorial
Eric Chelle’s vision for the Super Eagles is both ambitious and necessary. By actively scouting dual-national talents like Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Noah Atubolu, he is addressing a long-standing gap in Nigeria’s international recruitment strategy.
In a world where international allegiances are increasingly flexible, proactive engagement is crucial. These players represent a blend of top-tier development, European experience, and Nigerian heritage. Yet, without structured outreach and strategic persuasion, they could easily slip through Nigeria’s fingers just as several high-profile cases have in the past.
Chelle’s approach is pragmatic. By allowing the NFF to initiate contact, he ensures an official, coordinated effort. But the time for delay is over. Nations like Ghana, Morocco, and Algeria have shown the value of recruiting diaspora players early. Nigeria cannot afford to be reactive any longer.
Atubolu’s record-breaking run in the Bundesliga and Chukwuemeka’s glimpses of brilliance at Dortmund are the types of performances that signal international readiness. If Nigeria wants to remain competitive on the world stage, especially with the 2026 World Cup looming, integration of these high-calibre players is non-negotiable.
Chelle’s list isn’t just hopeful it’s strategic. Now the federation must match his foresight with action.
Did You Know?
- Noah Atubolu was born in Freiburg, Germany, and has represented the country from U15 to U21 level.
- Lesley Ugochukwu is a nephew of former Super Eagles midfielder Onyekachi Apam and played for Rennes before moving to Chelsea.
- Carney Chukwuemeka was born in Austria to Nigerian parents but represents England at youth international level.
- Atubolu’s 577-minute clean sheet streak is one of the longest in SC Freiburg’s Bundesliga history.
- Both Ugochukwu and Chukwuemeka have Champions League experience despite being under the age of 22.
