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Nigeria senior national team coach Eric Chelle is keen to find an alternative to striker Victor Osimhen before the start of qualifiers for the upcoming AFCON, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Although the coach currently has the quartet of Jerome Akor, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi and Taiwo Awoniyi in his cards as options for Osimhen, he is looking for a young striker with a similar style to Osimhen.
That is why he has intensified his pursuit of young Angers striker Peter Prosper and also Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena. Both players have already been contacted based on what we exclusively gathered.
Born to parents of Nigerian descent in France, Prosper, 18, finished last season with five goals in 29 games in what was his breakout season. Chelle sees similarities in his way of playing with that of Osimhen and has sold the idea of moving from France to Nigeria.
Lagos-born Ilenikhena, who is yet to be granted French citizenship, made a surprise move to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad at the age of 19 from Monaco in the January transfer window.
Despite the move, Chelle is still interested in having him on his team and has maintained contacts that began shortly before the team left for AFCON in January.
Meanwhile, Tosin Adarabioyo, who made his intention to play for Nigeria known towards the end of last season after eight years of refusing to commit to the team ahead of England, is currently not an option for Chelle.
We gather that the coach is happy with the options he has at his disposal in Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
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