Chelle has opened the door to a fresh group of Nigerian players as he continues to broaden his options at senior international level, handing 13 players their first senior invitations ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming international engagements
The Super Eagles are opening a new chapter under Éric Chelle, and this time the biggest talking point is not just the familiar names returning to the fold, it is the new faces, resulting in potential excitement.
The group cuts across defence, midfield, goalkeeping and attack, with players drawn largely from European clubs and the Middle East with the approach also intentional.
Chelle has separated his selections around Nigeria’s competitive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and the subsequent international friendly against Russia. The AFCON squad contains three of the new invitees; Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena, while the Russia selection provides a much wider platform for Chelle to examine emerging players.
For the players, however, the objective is the same: make the first impression count.
PREMIUM TIMES takes a closer look at the new Super Eagles invitees and the journeys that have brought them to Nigeria’s senior national team.
Isaac James at just 22, is one of the more experienced players among the newcomers and has already established himself in Portuguese football with Alverca.
Primarily a left-back, James can also operate as a wing-back or left-sided centre-back, giving Chelle an additional option across the defensive line.
His journey has taken him from Garden City Panthers through France and into Portugal, where his performances have earned him regular opportunities with Alverca. His versatility is particularly useful at a time when Nigeria have needed greater depth on the left side of defence.
James is one of only three players among the new invitees included in the squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
That means his opportunity could arrive sooner rather than later. For a player receiving his first senior invitation, there is already a significant stage waiting.
At 24, Moses Usor is among the oldest of the new invitees and arrives with significant club experience.
The left-footed winger primarily operates from the right side and played an important role in LASK’s recent league-and-cup double in Austria.
His club’s success also included qualification for the Champions League for the first time in its history, adding further weight to what was an impressive campaign for the Nigerian forward.
Usor is one of the three new players already included in Chelle’s AFCON qualifying squad. That puts him immediately in the competitive conversation as Nigeria prepare for Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
George Ilenikhena is arguably one of the most intriguing new attacking options in Chelle’s squad.
Born in Lagos, the 20-year-old began his development in France with Amiens before moving to Royal Antwerp and subsequently Monaco.
He gained valuable exposure at the highest level of European club football and scored in the UEFA Champions League during his time in Europe.
Ilenikhena joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad in 2026 and has now committed his international future to Nigeria despite previously being eligible to represent France.
His first Super Eagles invitation therefore represents more than simply a new striker entering camp. It is also the latest chapter in a decision over his international future.
Ilenikhena is part of the AFCON qualifying squad, giving him a potentially immediate route to his senior debut.
Victory Akpe represents another emerging defensive option for Nigeria. The 19-year-old centre-back, standing at approximately 1.95m, has made a rapid progression through European football.
Akpe moved from Lithuania to Hungary before making another step forward with Swiss giants Basel in 2026.
His size gives him an obvious physical advantage, but his development has also been built around his ability to play out from the back; a quality that has helped earn him his first invitation to the senior national team.
His first challenge will be adapting to the demands and intensity of senior international football.
Goalkeeper Samuel James is another young player whose journey reflects the increasingly international pathway available to Nigerian talents.
The 20-year-old shot-stopper plays for Finnish club SJK and previously came through Mavlon FC before representing Nigeria at youth level with the Flying Eagles.
He has now established himself in Finland and earned the opportunity to compete for a place among Chelle’s goalkeeping options.
For James, the invitation represents another step in a career that has already taken him from Nigeria’s youth football system into European senior football.
One of the more interesting stories in Chelle’s new group is Chibuzo Nwoko. The 20-year-old left-footed central midfielder came through Fulham’s academy after spending time in Chelsea’s youth system and has represented England at Under-18 level.
