Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle. Copyright: ImagoxToyinxOshodi
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has stated that while he is happy with the work ethic of the NPFL-based players, they must work even harder if they want to earn regular call-ups to the national team, Soccernet.ng reports.
It was an unfamiliar-looking Nigerian side, missing usual regulars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. This was hardly surprising, however, as Chelle had intentionally named an experimental squad blending the best players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with European-based players.
Super Eagles in training for the Unity Cup. (Photo credit: Super Eagles Media)
On Tuesday, Chelle handed starting roles to two home-based defenders, Oputa and Igboke, both of whom put in decent performances. Tosin Oyedokun and Aderemi Adeoye also put in solid shifts after coming off the bench.
Éric Chelle Shares Verdict on NPFL Debutants
When asked about his impression of the NPFL-based debutants, Chelle noted that he was generally pleased with their output. However, the Franco-Malian tactician emphasized that they must continuously improve to maintain their spots in the national team.
Coach Eric Chelle, of Nigeria Super Eagles. Copyright: Imagoxshengolpixsx
”Nonetheless, I'm happy with what they showed me and what they showed to Nigerians. But this is only a friendly game—it is not a World Cup or AFCON qualifier. They need to work hard and fully understand what the technical staff and I want from them.
”Playing at the highest level is difficult, and we made a lot of mistakes in certain patches of the game.”
Nigerian players applaud the visiting fans during the Unity Cup. Copyright: ImagoxToyinxOshodi
Since taking charge of the Super Eagles, this is the second time Chelle has called up a sizable number of home-based players to his squad. However, once the Unity Cup concludes and regular qualifiers resume, these players will face an uphill battle to retain their places in the starting lineup.
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
