Apple watch SE, 2nd gen, compatible with Iphone 8 Plus

Hello, as of today september 30th/2023 i got the Apple watch SE, 2nd Gen for a friend, she owns the Iphone 8 plus which is updated to the latest version IOS 16.7, that phone does not support IOS 17.

So the watch won´t pair with the phone but it won´t pair with my iphone 14 plus either i have the option to update to IOS 17 on my 14 plus but the iphone 8 does not have that option, i am in spain and the explanation i am getting from support in amazon and on Apple in spanish is very weird, it takes a lot for them to come with a straight answer and still they seem to not have a clues, this is why i reach to you in english to put my doubts to rest.

Every where i look it says that Apple watch SE is compatible with Iphone 8 and above, so please if you can help i´d really appreciate it.

As stated even if i try to pair it with my Iphone 14 plus it still asks me to update the software

In this link it says in the end of the text

"Apple Watch Ultra, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch SE require an iPhone 8 or later with iOS 16 or later"

Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) - Technical Specifications