Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has suggested that some of the young players who impressed during Nigeria’s 3-3 draw with Russia could earn further opportunities with the senior national team.
Nigeria came from two goals behind to secure a dramatic draw against Russia in Tuesday’s international friendly in Nizhny Novgorod, with Akor Adams scoring a stoppage-time equaliser.
Speaking after the match, Chelle revealed that Nigeria’s squad had been affected by the refusal of some clubs to release players for the friendly, leading the coaching staff to include a number of younger players.
The French coach said the performances of the young players could now influence his selection decisions ahead of the next international window.
We had a lot of problems bringing some players from the national team because the clubs didn’t want to let them. So now, we came with a big team of the Under-23 and some of them are really in the team.
Chelle was particularly encouraged by what he saw from the youngsters against Russia and confirmed that some could be considered for future senior-team selections.
“After the game that they showed us, maybe some of them will come into the national team for the next games.”
The Super Eagles boss also revealed that he has already begun looking ahead to the next squad selection, with preparations for November set to begin soon.
I have 10 days to make a press list for November, and we will see.
Chelle stressed that Nigeria’s immediate plans extend beyond the friendly against Russia, with the team focused on two major objectives.
The coach identified qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2028 Olympic Games as the primary targets for the Super Eagles setup.
We have two objectives: the AFCON 2027, and the Olympic Games.
He reiterated that both competitions will shape Nigeria’s preparations and squad planning as the team moves into the next phase of the international calendar.
The 3-3 draw against Russia therefore provided Chelle with more than just a positive result, giving him an opportunity to assess emerging players who could potentially become part of Nigeria’s senior setup in the future.
With November’s international window already in his thoughts, the Super Eagles coach appears ready to reward those youngsters who impressed in Russia with further opportunities at senior level.
