Olympic Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Scouting Liverpool Prospects for U23 AFCON Qualifiers

As the Nigerian Olympic Eagles prepare for their upcoming U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2026, head coach Eric Chelle is reportedly expanding his scouting network to include emerging talent within the English Premier League system. According to reports from Score Nigeria, the coaching staff is currently monitoring two Liverpool academy central defenders: Wellity Lucky and Noah Adekoya.

The Search for Defensive Depth

The pursuit of these players reflects a broader strategy by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to secure dual-national talent for the national youth setup. Both Lucky and Adekoya have been identified as potential additions to the Olympic Eagles squad as the team looks to bolster its defensive options ahead of the high-stakes qualifiers.

Noah Adekoya, who moved to Liverpool from Burnley in January 2026, has been gaining experience in Premier League 2, where he has recorded one goal in four appearances. While he has yet to make an international appearance, reports indicate that he has expressed a willingness to represent Nigeria should he receive a formal call-up from the NFF.

Navigating International Eligibility

The recruitment process for Wellity Lucky presents a more complex scenario due to his multiple international eligibility options. Born in Zaragoza, Spain, Lucky is eligible to represent Nigeria through his parental lineage. However, his residency in England for over five years also makes him eligible for the English national team, and he has previously participated in England’s U15 and U16 setups. Furthermore, he has received an invitation to a Spain U17 training session, highlighting his status as a highly sought-after prospect.

Despite these competing interests, Lucky is viewed as a significant talent within the Liverpool system. His progression has been notable, having been named to seven first-team matchday squads. He notably made his senior debut for the Anfield club during a Carabao Cup fixture against Crystal Palace in October 2025.

Building the Olympic Eagles Squad

The effort to integrate these players comes as the Olympic Eagles look to solidify their roster for the November qualifiers. The NFF has already seen success in attracting players with diverse backgrounds; for instance, Fulham’s Chibuzo Nwoko recently made his international debut for Nigeria during a friendly match against Russia. Unlike Adekoya, Nwoko has already committed to the national team setup.

While the interest from coach Eric Chelle is clear, it remains to be seen whether these players will be available or willing to commit to the Olympic Eagles for the upcoming fixtures. The NFF has not provided official confirmation regarding the status of these negotiations, and the final squad list for the DR Congo matches has yet to be released.

Conclusion

The monitoring of Liverpool prospects Wellity Lucky and Noah Adekoya underscores the competitive nature of international youth football and the NFF’s proactive approach to identifying talent. As the U23 AFCON qualifiers approach, the inclusion of such players could provide a significant boost to the Olympic Eagles’ defensive capabilities, provided the federation can successfully navigate the complexities of international eligibility.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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