Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has issued a stern challenge to eight home-based Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players invited to the national team, emphasizing that their call-ups are not rewards but opportunities to prove their worth ahead of the Unity Cup tournament in London. The Malian tactician made it clear that spots in the Super Eagles squad must be earned through consistent performance, intensity, and commitment, not handed out as favors. Nigeria is set to defend its title in the four-nation friendly tournament, facing Zimbabwe, India, and Jamaica in matches scheduled across London.
Chelle named Tosin Oyedokun, Aderemi Adeoye, Michael Atata, Tijani Al Ameen, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igboke, Ayobami Junior, and Elias Ochobi in his squad, recognizing their strong domestic form over the season. However, he stressed that their inclusion is just the beginning of a rigorous evaluation process. “This is not a present. I didn’t give them a present,” Chelle said during a pre-match press conference ahead of Nigeria’s opening game against Zimbabwe. “This is a bad present, because they come and play, if they are good, they stay, if they are bad?”
The coach highlighted that while the players earned their invitations through solid performances, breaking into the Super Eagles permanently requires more than one good season. “They deserve to be here because they play well during one year,” Chelle noted. “Now they are here, this is not the end, because this is the beginning. It is very difficult to enter the national team.” He pointed to the fierce competition across all positions, citing established stars like Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredrick, Igor Ogbu, and Fernandez in defense; Ola Aina, Bruno Onyeamachi, Zaidu Sanusi, and Osayi-Samuel in fullback roles; Alex Iwobi in midfield; and Victor Osimhen as the top striker.
Chelle urged the home-based players to bring maximum intensity and aggression to the matches, warning that only exceptional displays will earn them a place in future squads, including Nigeria’s next Africa Cup of Nations campaign. “When you come, this is not a present. You have to give everything — the intensity and aggression — and if you deserve to play in the AFCON, I have no problem with that,” he added. Nigeria’s campaign begins with a crucial match against Zimbabwe, with a win securing a spot in the final against either Jamaica or India. The tournament serves as a vital platform for Chelle to assess domestic talent and build a balanced squad for upcoming international challenges.
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