uper Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has emphasized that he intends to field his first XI in the international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in June, prior to the World Cup.
While Portugal will be participating in the World Cup alongside DR Congo, Uzbekistan, and Colombia in the group stage, Poland, like Nigeria, did not qualify.
In a statement made yesterday to NFF Media, Chelle asserted that he requires these fixtures to enhance the Super Eagles’ FIFA ranking.
”For the significant warm-up matches in June against Poland and Portugal, I will include my first team players. These matches can elevate us in the global rankings if we secure victories,” noted the French-Malian coach.
He also mentioned that the Unity Cup four-nation tournament is an ideal opportunity for him to experiment with new players.
”The Unity Cup (in London) offers a chance to evaluate new players. I will search across Europe and invite new talents of Nigerian descent, as well as those who have been previously called up but did not get the opportunity to play.
Head coach Éric Sékou Chelle has outlined his strategy to combine seasoned players with emerging talent as Nigeria gears up for the forthcoming Unity Cup, with chances to be given to exceptional players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and foreign-born individuals of Nigerian heritage.
Chelle revealed that the invitational tournament will act as a testing ground for assessing new recruits while preserving a solid core for significant international friendlies later in the year.
”The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. I will comb Europe and invite new players of Nigerian descent, alongside those who were previously called up but never got the chance to feature.
Top players from the Nigeria Premier Football League will also be taken into account, as I will be observing several domestic league matches from now until the conclusion of the season,” Chelle stated.
Chelle unleash int’l friendlies plans, promise to Scout NPFL Stars, Foreign-Born for Unity Cup
