In a surprising turn of events, 19-year-old defender Emmanuel Michael has earned his first-ever senior national team call-up, finding a place in coach Eric Chelle's massive 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
From Austrian Obscurity to National Spotlight
The Nigeria Football Federation's list release on Tuesday, December 2, contained a name unfamiliar to many fans: Emmanuel Michael. The young left-back, who currently plies his trade with Austrian Bundesliga side LASK, was a standout for the Nigerian U17 team that clinched the WAFU B tournament title in 2022 under coach Nduka Ugbade.
Michael's inclusion reportedly came after a member of the Super Eagles' technical crew recommended him to head coach Eric Chelle. Intrigued, the Franco-Malian tactician reviewed clips of the youngster and was immediately impressed. Chelle then personally reached out to his contacts in Austria to inquire further about the versatile defender's progress and potential.
A Proven Talent with Set-Piece Prowess
Emmanuel Michael is no stranger to success in the green and white. During the 2022 U17 WAFU B triumph, he was Nigeria's standout performer, remarkably winning three Man of the Match awards in just five appearances. Originally a midfielder, his conversion to left-back by the youth team coaches has paid dividends, making him a comfortable and possession-oriented defender who contributes to build-up play.
His most memorable contribution was his deadly accuracy from set-pieces, where he scored three superb free-kick goals and provided an assist in the tournament final. This season, he has already made five appearances in the Austrian top flight for LASK, a club he joined this summer after a loan spell with Simoiben FC, showing significant growth in confidence and ability.
The Road to Morocco and Expert Opinion
Coach Eric Chelle now faces the critical task of trimming this expansive provisional list—which features 6 goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 12 midfielders, and 23 forwards—down to a final squad of 28 players. The deadline set by the Confederation of African Football for this submission is Wednesday, December 11.
The Super Eagles, three-time African champions, have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia for AFCON 2025. Regarding Nigeria's chances, former captain and coach Sunday Oliseh has expressed optimism. Based on Chelle's positive results since taking charge, Oliseh believes the West African giants are well-positioned to challenge for a fourth continental title in Morocco.
Michael's surprise call-up comes amid other squad news, including the reported withdrawal of Bundesliga-based defender Jordan Torunarigha, who allegedly sought guarantees for a final squad place before committing to the camp.
