The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team, are preparing for some big games. In March, they will face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Coach Eric Chelle has a tough job ahead. While Nigeria has many talented players, the midfield could use more strength. Adding new players could improve the team and give Chelle more ways to plan for different matches.
Chelle traveled around Europe to find new talent. He was looking for players with dual nationality—those who can play for more than one country. If Chelle can get these players to choose Nigeria, it might help the Super Eagles succeed in the qualifiers. There’s even more buzz around the squad as sports betting in Nigeria ramps ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Fans are already placing bets on who might make the team, with sportsbooks offering promotions like the Betway sign-up code. The excitement around the potential squad is higher than ever. Here are five young midfielders who could really help the team.
Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri plays for Arsenal. Even though he is young, he has already shown excellent skills. He can play for either England or Nigeria. His creativity and smart moves on the field make him stand out. This season, he scored seven goals and gave one assist in 24 games.
If Nwaneri chooses Nigeria, he could help the team create more chances to score. His quick thinking and ability to set up goals would be great for the Super Eagles. Chelle should do his best to convince him.
Faustino Anjorin
Faustino Anjorin is playing in Italy for Empoli. He came from Chelsea’s academy, which is known for training top players. Anjorin has helped Empoli with three assists in 17 matches. He can play in different midfield positions and stays calm under pressure, much like Nigeria’s former captain John Obi Mikel.
Anjorin was born in England, making him eligible to play for the English national team. Because of his Nigerian father, he can also play for Nigeria. Between 2018 and 2019, he represented England at the under-17, under-18, and under-19 levels.
Anjorin could help control the pace of the game. He would be useful in tight matches where controlling the ball is important.
Tim Iroegbunam
Tim Iroegbunam is a talented midfielder at Everton. He has played for England’s youth teams but can still choose Nigeria for his senior career. Iroegbunam has become an important player at Everton, especially as the team tries to avoid relegation.
He is very good at keeping possession of the ball, even when the other team applies pressure. Nigeria could use him as a defensive midfielder. He would also push current players like Wilfred Ndidi to perform even better.
Lesley Ugochukwu
Lesley Ugochukwu is currently playing for Southampton on loan from Chelsea. He is known for his strong defensive skills. Some people compare him to Paul Pogba because of his physical style and ability to break up the opponent’s play.
This season, Ugochukwu has played 15 games and provided 1 assist. He has also been contributing an average of 24 passes per game.
Nigeria’s midfield would become stronger with Ugochukwu in the squad. His knack for stopping attacks and starting counter-attacks would add a new level of stability to the team, especially in challenging games.
Carney Chukwuemeka
Carney Chukwuemeka is playing for Borussia Dortmund in Germany. He moved there from Chelsea to get more game time. His skills, creativity, and ability to score goals from the midfield make him an excellent option for Nigeria.
Chukwuemeka’s experience in the Bundesliga would help the Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifiers.
Final Thoughts
Coach Eric Chelle must convince these talented players to choose Nigeria. Getting them to join the Super Eagles would add skill to the team and make everyone compete harder for a spot in the squad.
The next few months are essential for Nigeria’s football hopes. Adding the right young talent to the midfield could help the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup and build a bright future for the team.