Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is stepping up efforts to recruit top-level dual-national players to bolster the Super Eagles’ squad as they bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Footynaija.com reports.
Chelle, appointed in January, has had a challenging start to life in charge of the three-time African champions.
A 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali and a frustrating draw against Zimbabwe in March have left Nigeria six points adrift of Group C leaders South Africa with only four matches remaining in the qualifiers.
Recognising the need for reinforcements, the Franco-Malian tactician is keen to convince several foreign-born players of Nigerian descent to switch their international allegiance.
According to ScoreNigeria, Chelle has identified Southampton’s Lesley Ugochukwu, Borussia Dortmund’s Carney Chukwuemeka, and Monaco forward George Ilenikhena as key targets.
Carney Chukwuemeka is the smoothest 6’2ft player football might ever see when it comes to retaining and dribbling with speed.
— RAŽ⛩️ (@SS____899) March 30, 2025
I can’t think of many players.
And no, this isn’t glazing. pic.twitter.com/TBhtJEWTFv
Both Ugochukwu and Chukwuemeka are Chelsea players, though they are currently on loan at Southampton and Dortmund, respectively. Ugochukwu and Ilenikhena remain eligible for France, and Chukwuemeka has represented England at youth level.
However, Ugochukwu’s case is more complicated.
Lesley Ugochukwu is a rare midfield sorcery that is worth an honorable glare. A veritable midfield terminator with the technical security of a ferocious anchor. A 6’3 lanky primeval leper with the gait of a dominant knight. An impregnable ball carrier with a French nerve. ✨ pic.twitter.com/e3XBtVirgN
— Christopher (@StanleyMikeCB) July 29, 2023
Despite his Nigerian roots and the influence of his uncle, former Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, the 21-year-old featured for France at the Summer Olympics last year, making his switch less straightforward.
Ilenikhena, on the other hand, was born in Lagos and has yet to play for France at any level, making him a more realistic prospect for Chelle’s recruitment drive.
But with Victor Osimhen — Nigeria’s second-highest all-time goalscorer — firmly established as the team’s leading striker, the Monaco forward may have to settle for a backup role initially.
“There are lots of players who can still play for Nigeria,” Chelle said. “I will work with the NFF to make this possible.“
Chelle’s mission is clear: strengthen Nigeria’s squad by securing quality players capable of making an immediate impact. With the World Cup qualification campaign hanging in the balance, the Super Eagles boss knows time is of the essence.
