Eric Chelle eyes Liverpool’s Wellity Lucky and Noah Adekoya for Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is reportedly monitoring Liverpool defenders Wellity Lucky and Noah Adekoya as he looks to strengthen the Olympic Eagles ahead of their 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

According to reports in Nigeria, the Malian tactician has identified the two academy prospects as potential additions to the squad ahead of Nigeria’s crucial qualifiers against the Democratic Republic of Congo in November 2026.

The reported interest forms part of efforts to identify eligible young players capable of strengthening Nigeria’s U23 team as they pursue qualification for the continental competition.

While both defenders are developing their careers at Liverpool, their international backgrounds and eligibility situations present different opportunities for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Adekoya yet to make international debut

Adekoya is yet to represent Nigeria at international level, despite previously expressing a willingness to play for the country if approached by the NFF.

Allnigeriasoccer.com exclusively reported two years ago that Adekoya and Chibuzo Nwoko were open to representing Nigeria.

Nwoko has since taken the next step, making his debut for the country in Nigeria’s most recent friendly against Russia, while Adekoya remains without an international appearance.

The defender joined Liverpool from Burnley in January 2026 and has continued his development within the club’s youth setup.

He has scored once in four appearances for Liverpool in Premier League 2, gaining valuable experience as he works towards establishing himself at a higher level.

A potential call-up to the Olympic Eagles would offer Adekoya an opportunity to begin his international career while strengthening his connection with Nigerian football.

However, any move to bring him into the squad would depend on the NFF’s plans and the player’s availability for the upcoming qualifiers.

Lucky offers international experience across two countries

Lucky is another Liverpool prospect reportedly attracting Chelle’s attention, with the defender eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents.

Born in Zaragoza, Spain, the centre-back also qualifies to play for Spain and England, having lived in England for more than five years.

His international experience includes appearances for England at U15 and U16 levels, while he has also received an invitation to attend a Spain U17 training camp.

Those opportunities underline the competition Nigeria could face in securing his international allegiance, although his eligibility through his parents gives the country a route to pursue his services.

Lucky is regarded as a defender with the potential to progress into Liverpool’s first team, having already received opportunities around the senior squad.

He has been named in seven matchday squads and made his senior debut in October 2025 during a Carabao Cup fixture against Crystal Palace.

That experience distinguishes him from many players at academy level and could make him an attractive option for Nigeria as the Olympic Eagles prepare for their next assignment.

A call-up would also provide Lucky with an opportunity to gain further competitive experience at international level, should he choose to represent Nigeria.

DR Congo showdown awaits Olympic Eagles

Nigeria are scheduled to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November 2026.

The fixtures will be important for the Olympic Eagles as they attempt to secure progress in the qualifying campaign and strengthen their hopes of reaching the continental tournament.

Chelle’s reported interest in the Liverpool duo suggests that players developing outside Nigeria remain under consideration as the national team assesses its options.

However, no call-up for either Lucky or Adekoya has been confirmed in the information available.

Their potential involvement would add further depth to Nigeria’s defensive options, with Lucky bringing experience around Liverpool’s senior team and Adekoya continuing to develop through the club’s youth ranks.