Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed satisfaction with the performances of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players following their involvement in the national team’s 2-1 victory over Ghana at the Unity Cup in London, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelle, who has been closely monitoring the NPFL since his appointment in January, took a bold step by including ten home-based players in his 23-man squad for the tournament, currently being held at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The Malian tactician handed international debuts to several of them during Wednesday night’s semi-final clash with Ghana.
Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi and forward Papa Daniel Mustapha were handed their first caps in the starting XI, alongside right-back Sodiq Ismaila, who earned his third appearance.
Rangers’ Collins Ugwueze and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi also featured off the bench, making their Super Eagles debuts in the second half.
“I’m guilty if I’m wrong” – Eric Chelle’s brutal verdict on NPFL stars after display in Ghana win at Unity Cup
Chelle maintains that his selection was based purely on merit and a desire to build a balanced and competitive squad, highlighting the potential impact domestic talents can have on the team’s future success.
“These players, they have some qualities,” Chelle said during his post-match press conference.
“My job is to analyse. My job is to make some choices. If I’m wrong, then I’m guilty. But the reality is that I want to give some chances to these guys. Because I need to put in my team some guys who can add something because we need to win.”
He added: “It’s important for me, maybe I will find a guy who can score in the last minute against Rwanda or against South Africa or against Zimbabwe or against Lesotho.
“So my job is to work and try to do the best for this team, for Nigeria, for the local players and for the other (foreign) players. We will work. I’m happy to be here with all my players and we are focused in the next games in September.”
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The Super Eagles secured their place in Saturday’s final against Jamaica with goals from Cyriel Dessers in the 14th minute and an own goal from Ghana’s Razak Simpson five minutes later.
Brandon Asante-Thomas pulled one back for Ghana in the 70th minute, but Nigeria held firm to book their spot in the final.