Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle watch: Nigeria’s most exciting U23 talents

A new chapter is set to begin under Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expanded his responsibilities to include the country’s Under-23 national team, popularly known as the Olympic Eagles or Dream Team, Afrik-Foot reports.

The decision means Chelle will now oversee both the senior national team and the U23 side as Nigeria kick off preparations for the qualification campaign for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The task is a huge one. Nigeria failed to qualify for both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic men’s football tournaments, ending a proud tradition that once saw the country win Africa’s first-ever Olympic football gold medal in Atlanta in 1996 before adding silver in Beijing 2008 and bronze in Rio 2016.

Eric Chelle coach of Nigeria. Copyright: ImagoxMikolajxBarbanellx

Chelle’s new assignment is expected to create a smoother pathway from the youth teams to the Super Eagles. Instead of building two different styles of play, the Malian tactician will now develop a unified football identity that allows talented youngsters to move naturally into the senior national team.

To achieve that goal, Chelle will need a core of gifted young players already gaining valuable experience across Europe’s top leagues. Several Nigerian stars under the age of 23 have already established themselves at major clubs and possess the qualities to become the backbone of the next Olympic Eagles squad.

Future Super Eagles: Uchenna Ogundu

One player who perfectly fits Chelle’s football philosophy is FC Augsburg striker Uchenna Ogundu.

The 20-year-old forward has enjoyed a remarkable rise in European football. After leaving Diamond Football Academy in Nigeria, he joined Turkish second-division side Şanlıurfaspor, where he scored six goals in 19 appearances. He later impressed in the Turkish Super Lig with Alanyaspor before earning a move to Bundesliga club Augsburg in February 2026 on a long-term deal running until 2031.

Standing 1.88 metres tall, Ogundu combines speed with physical strength, making him a difficult striker for defenders to handle. His style has even drawn comparisons with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen because of his ability to stretch defences, attack crosses and constantly pressure defenders.

His aggressive pressing, intelligent movement and willingness to defend from the front make him an ideal striker for Chelle’s high-energy tactical system. Having already experienced Bundesliga football, Ogundu also brings valuable tactical discipline that could raise the standard of the Olympic Eagles attack.

Future Super Eagles: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Photo by IMAGO

Inter Milan midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is developing into a fine young midfielder for Nigeria after spending valuable loan spells in Italy.

The 21-year-old is contracted to the Serie A giants until 2030 after gaining regular first-team football with Pisa. His performances have pushed his market value to around €7 million while attracting attention from several clubs across Italy and Germany.

Akinsanmiro is comfortable playing as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or box-to-box player. He has elite passing accuracy, a growing ability to win back possession, and a composure under pressure that belies his age.

During the 2025-26 season, he recorded 23 successful tackles and 22 interceptions while maintaining an impressive passing success rate of around 85 percent.

Akinsanmiro offers balance. He can protect the defence, control possession and launch attacks from deep. This makes him an ideal player to connect the Olympic Eagles with the senior Super Eagles in the future.

Future Super Eagles: David Moses

Another exciting midfield option is David Moses, who currently plays for Czech champions Slavia Prague. At just 22 years old, Moses has already gained valuable experience in European competitions, including the UEFA Champions League. His impressive displays have helped increase his market value to around €10 million.

Although naturally a defensive midfielder, Moses is capable of playing in several positions, including central midfield, right wing-back and centre-back. His versatility gives coaches different tactical options during matches.

The youngster is calm in possession and has been hailed for his excellent reading of the game, qualities that suit Chelle’s preference for organised, possession-based football.

Because Moses has already been monitored for possible Super Eagles involvement, regular football with the Olympic Eagles could prepare him for a permanent place in Nigeria’s senior squad.

Future Super Eagles: Chibuike Nwaiwu

Super Eagles and Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu. Copyright: IMAGO/GEPAxpictures/xMatthiasxTrinkl

Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu has enjoyed an outstanding rise since leaving Austria for Turkey in January 2026.

The 22-year-old centre-back joined Trabzonspor from Wolfsberger AC for around €5.5 million and quickly looked at home in the Turkish Super Lig. His strong performances have lifted his market value to €10 million, while reports have linked him with interest from several clubs across Europe.

Standing 1.93 metres tall, Nwaiwu dominates in the air, reads danger well and remains calm when building attacks from the back. He also offers flexibility because he can operate as a defensive midfielder when required.

An added bonus is his threat during set-pieces. He scored three league goals with powerful headers during his first season in Turkey.

Nwaiwu could provide leadership, defensive organisation and tactical flexibility for Chelle, qualities that will be essential if Nigeria hopes to end its long wait for another Olympic football appearance.

Future Super Eagles: Zadok Yohanna

Perhaps the biggest attacking talent among Nigeria’s current U23 players is Zadok Yohanna. The exciting winger recently completed a high-profile move from Sweden to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in a transfer worth about €28 million, signing a contract until 2031.

Still only a teenager, Yohanna has already earned comparisons with players like Riyad Mahrez because of his excellent dribbling, creativity and dangerous left foot. Operating mainly from the right wing, he loves cutting inside to create chances or score spectacular goals.

Yohanna boasts explosive acceleration, has caught the eye with his close ball control and wows with his confidence in one-on-one situations.

His preferred role as an inverted winger also fits naturally into Chelle’s preferred 4-3-3 formation. His pace on counter-attacks and ability to unlock stubborn defences could be Nigeria’s most dangerous weapon during the race for a place at the 2028 Olympic Games.