Coach Eric Chelle has listed several players he hopes to work with in the U23s for next month’s friendly rematch against Russia.
The Super Eagles will have two different squads for the Russia friendly as well as for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau later this month.
SCORENigeria learnt that among the U23s for the Russia game are Isaac James, a left back with Portuguese club FC Alverca; striker George Ilenikhena, who has been firing goals in Saudi Arabia; Christian Nwachukwu, a winger from Champions League campaigners Sabah as well as Ayodele Adeshina, striker with Belgian club KV Mechelen.
It is understood that as many as 10 prospective U23 players mostly based overseas will be called up.
The Super Eagles coach, who also doubles as head coach of the U23s, plans to use the match in Russia on October 6 to prepare for the qualifying series for the U23 AFCON leading up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Nigeria won a historic Olympic soccer gold in 1996 and were beaten in the final of the 2008 edition in Beijing, China.
