Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has sent a note of warning to Nigeria's maiden invitees about the high level of competition for places in the starting line-up, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Franco-Malian tactician invited seven players from the NPFL for the 2026 Unity Cup, while also giving maiden call-ups to players like Arthur Okonkwo and Femi Azeez.
The players will put themselves to the test this evening at Charlton Athletic's Valley Stadium against the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
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Eric Chelle highlights what new Super Eagles stars have to do
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the game against Zimbabwe last night, Chelle made it clear that it'll be very hard to displace some of his first-team players.
“It is very difficult to enter into the national team,” the 48-year-old told Colin Udoh.
“Look at the positions. If you want to play at centre-back, you have Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredericks, Igoh Ogbu and Emmanuel Fernandez.”
“If you want to play as a full-back, you have Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu.
“If you want to play in the midfield, you know the magician Alex Iwobi. The reality is that you have to be better than all of these guys to play in that team.
“You want to play as a striker? Victor Osimhen is the best striker in the world. So, they can come, but they have to do everything.
“But the intensity, the aggresivity and desire must be there. So if you desire to play, I have no problem with that,” the ex-RC Lens defender concluded.
After the Unity Cup final on Saturday, Nigeria will play against Portugal and Poland, finalising their preparations before the AFCON 2027 qualifiers kick off in September.
