Leicester City centre-back on Eric Chelle's radar named in Championship Team of the Week

Super Eagles-eligible centre-back Caleb Okoli has been named in Whoscored's Championship Team of the Week following his standout performance in Leicester City’s 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

Okoli, who joined the Foxes in July 2024, impressed at the heart of defense and was a key reason Leicester kept a clean sheet after Ghanaian forward Abdul Fatawu’s solitary strike separated both sides.

Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk was also selected for his contribution in securing a clean sheet away from home.

He was joined in defense by Leicester teammate Hamza Choudhury, Blackburn’s Dominic Hyam and Birmingham City's Ethan Laird.

The midfield was dominated by Coventry City, with Brandon Thomas-Asante, Victor Torp, and Jack Rudoni all included, alongside Blackburn’s Ryan Hedges.

Wrexham striker Kieffer Moore and Coventry’s Haji Wright completed the attacking line.

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, Okoli has represented his country of birth at U19, U20 and U21 levels but remains eligible for the Super Eagles since he has not featured for Italy’s senior national team.

The Vicenza native is among the dual-national players being monitored by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

In 2024, Okoli was an unused substitute in six matches contested by Italy in the UEFA Nations League. 

The 24-year-old was linked with a move away following Leicester’s relegation to the Championship but has now cemented his place as a key figure in the Foxes’ defense. 

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: lcfc.com 

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