Sports News of Sunday, 25 October 2026

Source: www.dailypost.ng

Olympics: Chelle keeping tabs on Liverpool players ahead of U23 Afcon qualifiers

The coach of Olympic Eagles, Eric Chelle is reportedly monitoring two Liverpool central defenders in preparation for the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

According to Score Nigeria, Liverpool academy players, Wellity Lucky and Noah Adekoya have attracted the attention of the Malian coach for potential selection to the Olympic Eagles.

Adekoya and Fulham's Chibuzo Nwoko expressed their willingness to represent Nigeria upon contact from the Nigeria Football Federation.

While Nwoko made his international debut for Nigeria in their most recent friendly match against Russia, Adekoya has not yet earned an international appearance.

Adekoya transferred to Liverpool from Burnley in January 2026 and has netted one goal across four appearances for the Anfield side in Premier League 2.

Born in Zaragoza, Lucky is eligible to represent the Olympic Eagles through his parental lineage.

He is also eligible to compete for Spain and England, having resided in England for more than five years.

Lucky has represented England at U15 and U16 age groups and has received an invitation to a Spain U17 training session.

The defender with multiple national eligibilities is viewed as a prospect capable of advancing to Liverpool's senior squad.

He has been included in seven matchday squads and made his first-team appearance in a Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace in October 2025.

Nigeria's Olympic Eagles are set to play against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for November 2026.