Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle is keen on finding an alternative to top striker Victor Osimhen before the start of the qualifiers for the next AFCON, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Although the coach currently has the quartet of Jerome Akor, Paul Onuachu, Terem Moffi and Taiwo Awoniyi in his books as options to Osimhen, he is looking for a young striker with a style similar to that of Osimhen.
It is why he has step up his pursuit of young Angers forward Peter Prosper and also Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena. Both players have been contacted already per what we exclusively gathered.
Born to parents of Nigerian descent in France, 18 year told Prosper ended last season with five goals in 29.games in what was his breakthrough season. Chelle sees similarity in the way he plays with that of Osimhen and has sold the idea of switching from France to Nigeria.
Lagos born Ilenikhena who is yet to be given a French citizenship, made a shock move to Saudi Arabia side Al-Ittihad at the age of 19 from Monaco in the January transfer window.
Despite the move, Chelle is still keen on having him in his set up and has maintained contacts that first started shortly before the team left for the AFCON in January.
Meanwhile Tosin Adarabioyo who made his intention of playing for Nigeria known towards the end of last season, after eight years of refusing to commit to the team ahead of England is presently not an option to Chelle.
We gathered that the coach is satisfied with the options at his disposal in Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
