A new generation of Super Eagles could be about to emerge.
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle is expected to name two separate squads as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign before facing Russia in an October friendly.
The established stars are expected to form the core of the squad for the competitive fixtures against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau four days later, while the Russia friendly on October 6 could feature a much younger-looking Nigeria side.
With Chelle also overseeing Nigeria’s U-23 team, the Russia game provides an opportunity to assess potential Olympic players and give some of the country’s emerging talents a taste of senior international football.
Here are ten players who could be in line for a new Super Eagles opportunity.
1. George Ilenikhena
One of the most exciting names in the conversation is George Ilenikhena.
The Lagos-born striker has made a flying start with Al-Ittihad, recording four goals and two assists from his opening six league appearances, including a brace against Al-Nassr.
The 20-year-old has represented France at youth level but remains eligible for Nigeria. After recently posting a picture wearing a Super Eagles shirt, speculation over a first senior Nigeria call-up has only intensified.
GEORGE ILENIKHENA?? GRABS AN ASSIST? FOR AL ITTIHAD SECOND GOAL vs AL FAISALY
— SE ??XTRA?? (@NaijascoutforSE) September 11, 2026
INTELLIGENT DRIBBLING? AND A SHARP CRISP PASS?? TO EN NESRYI ??
BALLER BALLER BALLER????pic.twitter.com/9UBtmnsjfZ
2. Isaac James
Isaac James is reportedly set to receive his first senior Super Eagles invitation after catching Chelle’s eye in Portugal.
The 22-year-old has started all six of Alverca’s league games this season and provided two assists. With Zaidu Sanusi injured, James’ ability to operate at left-back, wing-back or on the left of central defence could make him particularly useful.
Unlike several names on this list who could feature against Russia, James has been reported as being in line for the AFCON qualifiers themselves.
3. Christian Nwachukwu
Sabah winger Christian Nwachukwu is another player reportedly set for an opportunity, with the 20-year-old linked with the squad for the Russia friendly.
Nwachukwu previously represented Nigeria at the 2021 WAFU B U-17 Championship and has continued his development in Azerbaijan.
He recently got the opportunity to showcase himself on a huge stage when Sabah travelled to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.
4. Akpe Victory
Nigeria could have an imposing new centre-back to watch in Akpe Victory.
The 20-year-old joined Basel this summer following his spell in Hungary and has started all seven of their league matches this season.
Standing at 1.95m, Akpe offers plenty physically but has also contributed at the other end, scoring and assisting in Basel’s 3-3 draw with Young Boys in August.
Prospective Super Eagles defender, Akpe Victory scored his first goal for FC Basel in a 3-3 draw against Young boys.
— Naija Ballers (@9ja_Ballers) August 29, 2026
The technique he used in hitting the ball, the running into space. It is insane! pic.twitter.com/KxscDYy1et
5. Zadok Yohanna
From Nigerian academy football to the Premier League in little more than a year, Zadok Yohanna’s rise has been rapid.
Brighton signed the winger from AIK after he produced five goals and four assists in 18 appearances during 2026.
The youngster has since made appearances in both the Premier League and UEFA Conference League, making him an intriguing option for Chelle’s new generation.
6. David Ozoh
David Ozoh could provide Nigeria with another option in the centre of midfield.
The 21-year-old developed at Crystal Palace before making his move to Derby County permanent after two loan spells with the Championship club.
With plenty of senior football already under his belt, the defensive midfielder could be an especially useful option as Chelle considers players for both the U-23s and senior Super Eagles.
7. Ayodele Adeshina
Another young forward making progress in Europe is Ayodele Adeshina.
The KV Mechelen attacker moved from Lille to Belgium this summer and has started brightly, contributing a goal and an assist in his first four matches.
Adeshina had previously scored 22 goals and supplied eight assists in 54 appearances for Lille’s B team, while also gaining UEFA Youth League experience.
?? Adeshina Ayodele (20), Mechelen'de ilk golü! ??
— xGalAnalysis???????? (@GalaScout1ng) August 31, 2026
Devre aras?nda oyuna girdi, yaln?zca 1 dakika sonra sahneye ç?kt?.
Van Meirvenne’nin sa? kanattan gönderdi?i ortada Ayodele, savunmac?n?n önüne çok iyi geçti ve fiziksel temas alt?nda pozisyonunu kaybetmeden topu a?lara… https://t.co/HmxXCYQpl8 pic.twitter.com/RLVqZ16rG1
8. Deji Elerewe
England-born defender Deji Elerewe is another name reportedly on Nigeria’s radar.
The Lincoln City centre-back has started the season in excellent form following the club’s promotion to the Championship, reportedly collecting four Man of the Match awards from his opening seven league appearances.
At 23, regular Championship football could put Elerewe firmly in contention as Nigeria look at their next generation of defensive options.
Deji Elerewe, 23 (CB) pic.twitter.com/AKlCqBzpIB
— Proudly Biafran (@BiafranProudly) September 16, 2026
9. Ridwan Popoola
Ridwan Popoola has confirmed his first senior Nigeria call-up, adding another exciting youngster to Éric Chelle’s plans.
Popoola recently joined Al-Wasl after impressing with Hungarian side Kisvárda, where his performances had reportedly attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
The youngster is not expected to feature in the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar or Guinea-Bissau, but has been invited for Nigeria’s friendly against Russia in Moscow on October 6, giving him his first opportunity with the senior Super Eagles.
10. Tosin Adarabioyo
Unlike most of the players on this list, Tosin Adarabioyo would bring significant top-level experience rather than youth.
The 28-year-old Tottenham defender represented England at several youth levels but has reportedly become open to representing Nigeria after previously holding out for an England opportunity.
Reports suggest Adarabioyo has his sights on being part of Nigeria’s plans for the 2027 AFCON, although there is currently no indication that Chelle has decided to call him up.
Stamford Bridge. 90+4'. The score is @ChelseaFC 2-1 West Ham…
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 6, 2025
Over to you, Tosin Adarabioyo ? pic.twitter.com/diE7bNZaZj
A New Generation of Super Eagles?
There could also be opportunities created by injuries and fitness concerns surrounding the established squad. Alhassan Yusuf, Femi Azeez and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have been reported as unavailable, while Frank Onyeka’s fitness is being assessed.
Victor Osimhen could also be allowed to miss the qualifiers as he continues his recovery, potentially opening another place for Chelle to promote one of the younger players originally considered for Russia.
Nigeria’s priority will be getting their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign off to a strong start against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. But once those competitive fixtures are complete, the Russia friendly could provide our first proper look at the next generation of Super Eagles.
