Eagles get boost ahead of crunch World Cup match as Chelsea offer Nigeria-eligible defender contract

NIGERIAN football has received a morale booster ahead of tonight's crunch World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic as English Premier League giants Chelsea offered Nigeria-eligible centreback Justin Osagie a contract.

In a huge move for the youngster, Osagie, 20, who came from Peterborough United as a free agent after his contract there expired, joins Chelsea after undergoing successful trials. Apparently, Osagie impressed Chelsea's academy coaches during his trial period, earning himself a permanent deal with the club.

With the Super Eagles set to face Benin Republic's Squirrels in a do-or-die affair at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo tonight to determine if Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup of not, this is good news and a healthy distraction for anxious fans. Nigeria, South Africa and Benin Republic are locked in a three-way battle to see who tops Group C and qualifies automatically, with the runner-up going into a play-off and the third-placed team missing out.

Following his signing, Osagie has been integrated into the Blues' development setup and made the matchday squad for the English Football League Trophy fixture against Northampton Town on September 23, where he was an unused substitute. His career has seen him progress through the youth ranks at Southend United and West Ham United, before a move north to join Celtic in Scotland.

Then in October 2024, Osagie  returned to England signing for Peterborough United after another impressive trial spell. Prior to his switch to Celtic, Osagie was on the radar of several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion.

During his time with Celtic, he made his Uefa Youth League debut, coming off the bench against Dutch side Feyenoord in December 2023. Eligible to represent both Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland, Osagie has previously been invited to an Ireland U19 training camp but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Boys in Green.

Chelsea already have one Nigeria-eligible centreback on their books as Tosin Adarabioyo joined the Blues from nearby Fulham. Adarabioyo, 28, is yet to make an official announcement regarding his international future as he too is eligible to play for both England and Nigeria but is yet to feature for the Super Eagles.