Former Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso has thrown his weight behind rising midfield sensation Onuche Ogbelu, urging Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle to hand the Esperance of Tunis starlet a national team call-up following his impressive performances at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Ogbelu, 21, a graduate of Nigeria’s U-20 team under Bosso, has been a standout performer for Esperance in the tournament, drawing attention with his composed displays, tactical maturity, and sharp distribution from the center of the park. He has featured in every minute of Esperance’s matches so far, completing over 90% of his passes and registering a key assist in the group stage.

Bosso, currently the Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, did not hide his excitement when he learned that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle was in the U.S. to observe matches at the tournament.

“I was so excited to know that the Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle was in the U.S. to watch some of the matches,” Bosso told reporters. “I’m optimistic he must have seen Esperance play, and I am convinced that he would definitely extend an invitation to Onuche Ogbelu based on his performances.”

“Onuche has shown in this tournament that he is ready for the next level,” he continued. “His composure under pressure, ability to dictate the tempo, and intelligent positioning are qualities we need in the Super Eagles midfield right now.”

Ogbelu’s performances have sparked renewed discussions around refreshing Nigeria’s midfield, with analysts and fans noting the need for younger, more dynamic options as the team gears up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco and the upcoming rounds of FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Bosso, who worked closely with Ogbelu during preparation for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, praised the player’s development and professionalism.

“Even at the U-20 level, we knew we had something special in Onuche. He was one of our most disciplined and intelligent players,” Bosso recalled. “It was a very difficult situation for me to drop him before we left for Argentina. So when Esperance came asking for a midfielder who could do the job, I didn’t hesitate to recommend him.”

The move to Esperance, one of Africa’s most storied clubs, has clearly paid off, with Ogbelu now gaining international exposure and growing in confidence with each game.

With Eric Chelle tasked with building a competitive and balanced Super Eagles squad ahead of key fixtures, the emergence of Ogbelu may offer a timely solution in an area where the team has struggled for consistency.

As Nigeria continues its search for midfield balance and long-term stability, Ladan Bosso’s endorsement may serve as a powerful nudge for Chelle to look beyond the usual Europe-based suspects and consider the talents blossoming on African soil.

For now, all eyes remain on Ogbelu as Esperance advances in the FIFA Club World Cup — and possibly, toward a debut in the green and white of Nigeria.