Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has explained why he included 10 home-based players in the Nigerian squad for the Unity Cup and a friendly match against Russia.
Speaking in London on Monday, Chelle said he wanted to make the national team more competitive and give local players a chance to prove themselves.
“We have many players in Nigeria and we need to give all of them the chance to show what they can bring to the team,” he said. “The Unity Cup is a great tournament and part of the process to try these new players and build on the new system.”
The Unity Cup, which begins today and ends on May 31, is holding at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford, United Kingdom. The tournament features Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Twenty players and team officials are already in London for the competition. Those who trained with the team on Monday include Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Semi Ajayi, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Felix Agu, and Igho Ogbu.
Also present were Bruno Onyemaechi, Junior Nduka, Sadiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Papa Mustapha, Saviour Isaac, Collins Ogwueze, Sikiru Alimi, and Abubakar Adamu.
The Nigeria Football Federation said goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie, along with Chrisantus Uche, Samuel Chukwueze, and Tolu Arokodare, were expected to join the team later on Monday.
Chelle said he discovered the new local players by watching matches in the Nigerian Premier Football League.
“I think that they have qualities that can change our game. These 10 players will bring new intensity to the system,” he said.
He also praised team captain Ahmed Musa, saying, “You know Ahmed Musa, who is a great player. He can bring his quality and experience to the group.”
Talking about his plan for the team, Chelle said, “We are focused on our project… we want to build a group, create an identity, and put in the players who can fit into the project quickly.”
He noted that Nigeria has many good attackers, just like his former team Mali was known for a strong midfield.
The Unity Cup aims to strengthen cultural and football ties among African and Caribbean countries. Nigeria will play its first match against Ghana on May 28 in the semi-final. The Super Eagles will then face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago in the final or third-place match on May 31.
