The real criteria for Super Eagles squad selection – Nigeria coach Eric Chelle reveals

Eric Chelle just took over the Super Eagles reins at the start of the year, and he will be looking to do big things with the team

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that he has some important criteria before they can be invited to the national team, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria have a lot of talented players plying their trades abroad and on the domestic scene. As such player selection to the Super Eagles squad has always caused some controversy.

Many fans even believe that some of the players get call-ups due to their strong ties with members of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Franco-Malian tactician Chelle was appointed as coach of the team in January, and some of his squad selections have come under the searchlight.

However, he has come out to clear the air on how he chooses the players who should get called up to the Super Eagles.

“First of all, you need to have playing time. You need to be in top physical shape and you need to be good too,” Chelle said, per Onze Mondial.

“Then, the last thing is tactically. As a coach, you don't have time. When I took over the Nigerian national team, I only had two sessions before the match.

“So, in two training sessions, I have to be able to quickly get the message across and what I want for my team.

“Physically, the player has to be in shape. He also has to be tactically intelligent to be ready to understand and apply my instructions. You also need good technical quality. And finally, you have to be mentally ready.”

Chelle has become Super Eagles coach at a very critical period. Nigeria are struggling in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and the Africa Cup of Nations is in December.

So, he has to deliver the results immediately. If not, he could get the sack.