A file copy of Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle.
Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to introduce a wave of new faces into the Super Eagles setup in recent weeks, insisting the shake-up is part of a deliberate strategy to raise the overall quality of the squad ahead of future competition, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Malian coach named eight Nigeria Premier Football League players in his Unity Cup squad and used the tournament to hand senior debuts to Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Arthur Okonkwo and Rafiu Durosinmi.
Abdullahi Bewene, the Banik Ostrava defender, subsequently earned his first cap in the friendly draw against Poland, while Genk defender Christian Akpan received a late call-up for the upcoming friendly against Portugal in Leiria on June 10.
Chelle explained that the selections followed a thorough review of the team’s performances over the past year and were guided by a desire to close the gap between Nigeria and the continent’s top sides. Related News Marseille join Adams race Oshoala, Payne fire Falcons past Lionesses in WAFCON warm-up Super Falcons defeat Senegal 2-1 in WAFCON 2026 warm-up match
