England Lose Another Star to Nigeria As Striker Awaits Eric Chelle’s Confirmation
- Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is gaining ground in the race to secure Nigeria-eligible talent, with an English player now awaiting his call-up ahead of the international friendlies in May
- The Malian tactician, backed by the Nigeria Football Federation, has been on a scouting tour across Europe, attending matches across different leagues to assess potential additions to the team
- Chelle oversaw his first two Super Eagles games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe during the international break in March, recording one win and one draw
A Nigeria-eligible Bundesliga talent is reportedly eager to meet with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to discuss the possibility of representing Nigeria.
The Malian tactician has been actively engaging with several dual nationals, many of whom have been overlooked by their birth nations or are considering a switch due to their strong ties to Nigeria.
Before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March, Chelle held meetings with key Super Eagles players who could help persuade dual-national stars in England and France to commit to Nigeria.
Source: Getty Images
St. Pauli player seeks meeting Chelle
St. Pauli winger Dapo Afolayan has reportedly committed his future to the Super Eagles while awaiting an official invite from coach Eric Chelle.
According to AllNigeria, the 27-year-old debuted for the England C team, which comprises non-league players coming off the bench.
He replaced Fejiri Okenabirhie in a friendly against Slovakia U23s.
The winger has made 28 appearances, scoring three goals for St. Pauli this season per Transfermarkt. Afolayan joined Chelsea’s academy at the age of nine, turning down offers from Arsenal.
He made a significant impact at Bolton Wanderers, finishing the 2021/22 season as the club’s top scorer with 14 goals and earning the Player of the Year award per Wanderers.
In 2023, Afolayan moved to the German side St. Pauli, where he played a key role in helping the club secure promotion to the Bundesliga for the 2024/25 season, per BBC.
St. Pauli, nicknamed the League Buccaneers, currently sit 15th in the standings with 22 points from 29 matches.
Source: Getty Images
Adetula speaks on growing Nigeria-eligible stars
Veteran Nigerian journalist Phemmy Adetula has expressed excitement over the growing number of Nigeria-eligible players showing interest in representing the Super Eagles.
Speaking in an exclusive chat with Legit.ng, Adetula noted that the influx of talent would boost competition within the national team.
He also praised the impact of Coach Chelle, stating that the European-based players were showing increased confidence in his leadership.
"For a very long time, foreign-based players haven’t shown interest in playing for the Super Eagles. In the past, it was the Nigeria Football Federation chasing after these players - but now, it’s the players who are eager to represent the country.
"I believe this development will benefit the team because every player knows there’s competition for their position. That kind of pressure will push them to give their best.
"Eric Chelle has brought a different vibe to the Super Eagles, and now, everyone born outside the country wants to be part of the team."
Chelle breaks silence on Eagles job
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian national football coach Eric Chelle denied rumours that he used his connections to land the Super Eagles job in January this year.
He replaced Augustine Eguavoen after the latter’s interim role during Nigeria’s successful 2025 AFCON qualification campaign and said this was based purely on merit.
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Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Dare Kuti (Sports Editor) Dare Kuti is a CAVB-accredited journalist based in Nigeria. He is renowned for his work in football, volleyball, wrestling, taekwondo and handball. He has covered several major competitions including the African Games hosted by Morocco and Ghana, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, CAF Events, as well as grassroots competitions across the continent. Email: dare.kuti@corp.legit.ng.
Bruce Douglas (Head of Copyeditors) Bruce Douglas has 13 years of experience in community media, including coverage of sports, human interest, crime and politics.
