Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly been handed an extensive scouting report featuring more than 70 players as preparations gather pace for Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
According to reports, the compilation includes over 40 Nigerian players based in Europe alongside around 30 home-based talents, providing Chelle with a broad selection of prospects as he begins building the next generation of the Olympic Eagles.
Focus Turns to Olympic Qualification
Following the reported expansion of his responsibilities to include Nigeria’s U23 side, Chelle is said to be laying the foundations for a squad capable of ending the country’s recent Olympic disappointment.
Nigeria has failed to qualify for the last two editions of the men’s Olympic football tournament, making the upcoming qualification campaign a major priority for the Nigeria Football Federation.
The scouting report is expected to play an important role in identifying players capable of forming the core of the team over the coming years.
Blend of Home-Based and Overseas Talent
Reports suggest Chelle is keen to assemble a balanced squad featuring promising players from European clubs alongside standout performers from the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The strategy is designed not only to strengthen the Olympic Eagles but also to create a smoother pathway for emerging players into the senior Super Eagles setup.
Several members of Nigeria’s recent Unity Cup-winning squad, who remain on the fringes of the senior national team, are also believed to be under consideration for the U23 programme.
Long-Term Development Strategy
One of the names reportedly included in the scouting dossier is Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman, with scouts continuing to monitor several young Nigerian talents across Europe.
The objective is to identify players capable of contributing immediately during Olympic qualifiers while also developing into future senior internationals.
By integrating overseas-based prospects with the country’s best domestic talent, the coaching staff hopes to build a squad capable of competing consistently at the highest level.
Reviving Nigeria’s Olympic Legacy
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most successful football nations at the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Eagles famously won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics before claiming silver in Beijing in 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.
Returning to the Olympic football tournament has become a major objective as the federation looks to restore the country’s presence on one of football’s biggest international stages.
Eyes on the Future
Although no final squad has been announced, the reported scouting exercise highlights the scale of planning already underway ahead of the qualification campaign.
With a large pool of talented young players now under evaluation, Chelle is expected to use upcoming training camps, friendly matches, and qualifiers to assess his options before assembling the squad that will attempt to guide Nigeria back to Olympic football.
For Nigerian football supporters, the project represents an exciting opportunity to witness the emergence of the next generation of Super Eagles stars while pursuing a return to the Olympic stage after years of absence.
