Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is romancing the idea of harnessing more foreign-born players of Nigerian extraction to play for the national team ahead of the June international friendlies.
One of the players who would likely be an easy pick is former Arsenal Academy player, Arthur Okonkwo, who is reportedly finalising the process of switching his international allegiance to Nigeria.
His addition would bolster options for Chelle in the goalkeeping depratment where there seems to no stiff competition,or better option in the absence of clubless first choice keeper, Stanlety Nwanbali.
The move follows the successful introduction of Emmanuel Fernandez, who marked his debut with a goal in Nigeria’s 2–2 draw against Jordan national football team during a friendly in Turkey.
Fernandez, born in England to Nigerian parents, exemplifies a growing number of diaspora players opting to represent Nigeria at international level.
Sources close to the team indicate that Chelle considers the recruitment of foreign-based talent central to his long-term strategy.
The approach is designed to blend the tactical exposure and experience of players competing in Europe with the existing domestic core, thereby improving the squad’s overall depth and competitiveness.
According to BSNSports,”The coaching staff is understood to be monitoring several eligible players abroad, with plans to introduce at least three new faces during the June fixtures. In total, as many as six players are currently being assessed as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of future competitive engagements.”
Despite the emphasis on diaspora recruitment, Chelle is also expected to maintain a pathway for home-based talent. Players from the Nigeria Premier Football League remain under consideration, reflecting a deliberate attempt to strike a balance between locally developed players and those trained abroad.
