Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his inclusion of captain Ahmed Musa in the Unity Cup squad while sharing his thoughts on the new players called up for the tournament in London, emphasising that the competition serves as a platform for them to demonstrate they deserve a regular spot in the national team.
Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa is making his return to the national team for the first time since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. He is joined by nine other home-based players, most of whom would be making their debuts during the tournament.
The other invited home-based players include Junior Harrison Nduka, captain of the CHAN-bound Super Eagles B and of NPFL champions Remo Stars as well as Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Ojetoye Waliu, Sadiq Ismail, Saviour Isaac, Collins Chinemerem, Papa Mustapha Daniel, Sikiru Alimi and Adamu Abubakar.
Reacting to their call-up in his pre-match press conference, Eric Chelle stressed the importance of trying out new players and systems during the Unity Cup, describing it as a crucial part of the team’s preparation for the World Cup qualifiers set to resume in September.
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“We have lots of players in Nigeria so we need to give them a chance to show us their quality. We are focused, we have a game project, we want to create intensity, so we need to put in some players who can quickly learn this game project,” the coach said.
“The Unity Cup is a great moment to try some players, to try some other systems to be ready in September.”
“I was in Nigeria and I watched few games of the league and I spent my time to analyse these players. I think they have some quality and they deserve to have a chance.”
“I’m sure they can bring lots of intensity and lots of aggressiveness to play for this jersey.”
“I picked 10 players from the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) and they’re good players,” Chelle added.
One of the invitees that have caught the eye is captain Ahmed Musa, whose inclusion has sparked mixed reactions among fans. While some support his experience and leadership, others question whether he should still be part of the Super Eagles setup due to his age.
However, Chelle highlighted the value of Musa’s experience and quality as key reasons for his inclusion, stating that he deserves a chance to prove himself. He also acknowledged that there will be significant pressure on the veteran forward to perform.
“I think Ahmed Musa is a great player, every Nigerian knows that. For me, this is the reality, this is the fact. Secondly, he can bring his quality and experience. He knows the game because he has played lots of big matches, so he can bring something to the group.”
“My vision, like for the other players, is to give him a chance. He needs to take this chance and show us what he can do. If he plays a great game, he can join us. There’s a lot of pressure, because he needs to be very good.”
Eric Chelle further commented on the overall strength of the Super Eagles, pointing out that the team’s attacking prowess stands out as its greatest asset.
“In the Malian team, we were strong in the midfield. With the Nigerian team, I think we are strong in the midfield but we are very strong in attack.”
The Super Eagles commenced their training in London yesterday ahead of their clash against Ghana in a highly-anticipated West African derby in the second semifinal of the Unity Cup, scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, at the Gtech Community Stadium.
The winner of this encounter will advance to the final to face off against either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday, May 31, with the 2025 Unity Cup title up for grabs.
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