Bayern Munich teenager Richard Ajayi monitored by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle after first-team bow

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is tracking the progress of Bayern Munich’s emerging left-back Richard Ajayi after the 16-year-old made his first appearance for the German champions’ senior side in pre-season.

Ajayi, who has been largely unknown outside youth football, was promoted from Bayern’s academy ranks by head coach Vincent Kompany for the club’s opening pre-season friendly – a 2-1 defeat against SV Wehen Wiesbaden.

The teenager was one of several youth players drafted into the squad, with his inclusion understood to have alerted Chelle, who is in charge of both the Super Eagles and Nigeria’s under-23 side.

Chelle has now been informed in detail about Ajayi’s progress and has added the defender to his pool of professional options for the U23s, who are aiming to qualify for the Olympic Games after missing the last two editions.

According to one of Chelle’s scouts, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Ajayi’s future performances at club level will be key in deciding whether he is fast-tracked into Nigeria’s senior national set-up.

“His performance will determine if he will be handed a chance in the senior national team,” the scout told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

From Ukraine to Bayern’s academy

Ajayi was born in Nigeria and primarily operates as a left-back. He relocated to Germany from Ukraine following the outbreak of war there, continuing his football development after being forced to leave the country.

On arrival in Germany, he initially turned out for non-league sides, where his displays attracted attention from Bayern’s recruitment staff.

He was subsequently brought into the Bayern youth structure and has since established himself in the club’s Under-19 squad.

Within that set-up, Ajayi has reportedly “cemented his spot”, with his rapid rise culminating in Kompany handing him a first-team opportunity in the early stages of pre-season.

Olympic ambition for Nigeria U23s

Chelle’s dual role in charge of both the senior and U23 national teams means Ajayi’s development will be monitored with a view to immediate and longer-term international involvement.

Nigeria’s U23 side are rebuilding after failing to reach the last two Olympic football tournaments, and Chelle is understood to be compiling a list of young professionals who can help the team return to the Games.

Ajayi is now included on that list, although no decision has yet been taken on when he might receive an official call-up.

For now, his primary task is to continue his progression within Bayern’s academy and to seize any further opportunities Kompany may offer with the first team during pre-season and beyond.

The interest from Chelle, however, underlines how quickly the teenager’s status has changed – from a player in German non-league football to a potential future international for Nigeria, all within a relatively short space of time.