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Tag: Chelle

  • Super Eagles: Adepoju, Lawal   laud Chelle on squad  for Unity Cup tourney

    Super Eagles: Adepoju, Lawal   laud Chelle on squad  for Unity Cup tourney

    Ahead of the  highly anticipated Unity Cup Tournament in London, two Super Eagles greats—Garba Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju—have thrown commended coach Eric Chelle on his decision to blend home-grown talents from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with established foreign professionals.

    Their endorsement came after  Chelle named a 25-man squad for the face off against Ghana in the semi-finals of the Unity Cup on May 28 before the tournament’s  finale billed for May 31 at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London.

    Chelle’s approach, they said, evoked  memories of legendary Nigerian coaches such as Clemens Westerhof, Stephen Keshi, and Bonfrere Jo, all of whom famously integrated domestic league players into the national team fabric. That tradition, which played a crucial role in Nigeria’s golden football era of the 1990s, appears to be receiving a modern-day revival.

    Adepoju—fondly remembered  for his aerial prowess during his playing days —noted that Chelle’s inclusion of about  10 NPFL players is not only strategic but inspirational for local talents.

     “Yes, I think it’s a good one, a good development,” The Headmaster as Adepoju is called, said. “Counting the number of home-based players, I could see nine—this is great for the NPFL. It’s a way of encouraging our domestic league and showing belief in the talent available at home.”

     Adepoju affirmed that Chelle is intentional in following the template of former Super Eagles’  coaches like Westerhof and Keshi.

    “Yes, I think it’s always good (missing of local and foreign players),” the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner noted.

    “ Chelle did something similar while he was coaching in Mali. It’s best to ensure the local league is encouraged—it’s very important.

    He further expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the tournament: “Why not? They are going there to compete. If they put everything they have into it, I believe they can win.”

    Similarly,  Lawal—a  midfield Trojan from Nigeria’s golden generation—hailed Chelle’s squad for the London showdown, describing it as a refreshing approach to development of the home -based players.

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     “It’s a good one. I believe Chelle wants to give some other people a chance to play, which is good,” said Lawal. “It’s a mix of foreign and home-based players. I hope the home-based will take advantage of this opportunity.”

    Lawal emphasised the significance of performance for local players in such international settings:

    “There aren’t too many professionals in there, so the home-based players need to showcase their talents. As a player, this is the kind of opportunity you’re looking for. When you’re called upon, you have to give your best because the coach has already done his part.”

    He also echoed the historical sentiments on the  evolvement of the Super Eagles, saying:

     “People like Westerhof, Keshi, Bonfrere Jo—they all did similar things. It’s not new. This is a traditional way of bringing in the local players.”

    The Unity Cup is more than just another friendly tournament—it carries historical significance for Nigeria.

    The Super Eagles won the last two editions of the competition in 2002 and 2004. Notably, the 2004 edition saw the international debut of Obafemi Martins in a clash against Ireland.

    Martins would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated strikers, a testament to how impactful opportunities like the Unity Cup can be for emerging talents.

    Chelle seems keen to continue that legacy. His selection includes marquee foreign-based names like Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), and Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla), balanced with standout NPFL performers such as Remo Stars’ captain Junior Harrison Nduka and Sikiru Alimi.

    In goal, Stanley Nwabali returns alongside Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie.

    The 2025 Unity Cup, featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, will serve as a platform for Chelle to assess squad depth ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers in September and October. The Franco-Malian himself acknowledged this in a recent statement:

    “We’re looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles, helping us to strengthen our squad.”

    This blend of youth and experience, domestic and diaspora, signals a strategic evolution under Chelle’s stewardship.

    Beyond just winning the Unity Cup, the bigger victory may lie in building a more inclusive and competitive Super Eagles squad.

  • Chelle invites NPFL star Alimi, 11 others for London tournament

    Chelle invites NPFL star Alimi, 11 others for London tournament

    The Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has invited a dozen players from the NPFL for the London invitational tournament, the Unity Cup, which will feature arch-rivals Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.

    Following the call-up of Ahmed Musa, CHAN Eagles captain Nduka Junior, Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars), Isaac Saviour, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers), Adamu Abubakar, Vincent Temitope (Plateau United), and Papa Daniel were invited for the Unity Cup.

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    Niger Tornadoes midfielder, Papa Daniel, was among the Super Eagles’ team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

    Eric Chelle’s agenda is to use the London tournament later this month as part of the preparation for the 2025 CHAN, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in Uganda in August.

    The Super Eagles coach will be involved at the CHAN.

  • Chelle scouting tour hits Monaco  for ‘sensational’ Ilenikhena

    Chelle scouting tour hits Monaco  for ‘sensational’ Ilenikhena

    Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly watched AS Monaco youth sensation, George Ilenikhena, and sees him as a potential future star for Nigeria.

    Chelle was spotted at the Stade Louis-II last weekend during AS Monaco’s commanding 3-0 win over Olympique Marseille in Ligue 1.

    According to Africa Foot United, the Franco-Malian tactician was in attendance specifically to observe 18-year-old Ilenikhena, the promising Nigerian-born striker who has steadily been gaining attention in Belgium and France.

    The move comes as part of Chelle’s wider strategy to bolster his squad ahead of a packed calendar that includes the 2025 Unity Cup in London and crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this year.

    In March, Nigeria’s qualification campaign suffered a blow after a 1-1 home draw against Zimbabwe followed a 2-0 away victory over Rwanda in Kigali.

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    Chelle, who took over the Super Eagles job earlier this year, had promised to look beyond established stars and introduce new, exciting talents into the setup.

    Speaking after the March internationals, Chelle hinted that fans should expect fresh faces when Nigeria travel to London in May for the Unity Cup – a four-nation mini-tournament involving Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago.

    One of those potential new faces is Ilenikhena, who played the final five minutes against Marseille on Saturday. He came off the bench to replace Breel Embolo, who had scored Monaco’s second goal of the game.

    Though he has featured for France’s youth teams — most notably the U16s in 2021 — he has yet to play an official match at any level. This means a switch to Nigeria would be smooth, requiring no FIFA clearance.

    The left-footed striker is known for his acceleration, strength, and eye for goal. Since joining Monaco from Royal Antwerp, he has scored six goals and contributed two assists across 29 appearances in all competitions — including two goals in six UEFA Champions League outings.

    Despite the growing excitement around Ilenikhena, Chelle is under no pressure to rush him into the squad.

    The Super Eagles already boast a strong forward line led by Victor Osimhen, who has been excellent for Galatasaray and Nigeria since he moved to Turkey from Napoli.

    At 26, Osimhen remains in his prime and is the Super Eagles’ undisputed first-choice striker.

    Behind him, there is solid depth. Terem Moffi (OGC Nice), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Umar Sadiq (Valencia), Cyriel Dessers (Rangers), and Tolu Arokodare (Genk) are all vying for minutes and goals.

    Still, Ilenikhena could be a valuable long-term asset. His youth and European pedigree make him an appealing option as Nigeria build toward the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

  • Chelle to line-up strong  Super Eagles for upcoming  friendlies

    Chelle to line-up strong  Super Eagles for upcoming  friendlies

    Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that he would name his strongest team for a historic friendly against Russia in Moscow during the June international break.

    “The core of the team from the matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe will get another chance to play against Russia in the friendly,” the coach told SCORENigeria.

    It will be the first-ever meeting at full international level Nigeria and Russia.

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    Nigeria will also use the international break to feature in a four-nation invitational tournament in England that has perennial rivals Ghana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago.

    It is believed that the coach will use this tournament to give a chance for several fringe players as well as fresh call-ups.

    The Super Eagles will use the international break to prepare for crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda at home and away in South Africa in September.

    They are fourth in the standings with seven points from six matches.

  • Before Chelle goes

    Before Chelle goes

    No stories. The World Cup is neither executed through prayers, nor is it a lottery or a centre where anyone can walk in to operate the gaming machines. No. It is a platform to showcase excellence built over time and not a stage to exhibit mediocrity as we have always done in the past.

    If Nigeria must avoid missing the next World Cup, the players must know the implications of not attending the Mundial. Not attending the World Cup for eight years would destroy the progress we have achieved in the past. Nigeria’s other cadres have missed out on participating in their World Cups. We glossed over it. Soon, the hurricane would sweep off Nigeria from the senior World Cup, leaving in its wake sorrow, blood, tears, and all shades of buck-passing. What a pity. I weep for Victor Osimhen.

    What does patriotism to your fatherland mean in football? Let’s take a trip back to the Euro 2020 Final and watch how Cristiano Ronaldo, in spite of his injury, sat on the bench and joined the coaching crew on the touchline to shout, instruct, and motivate his colleagues to victory. CR7 could have walked down into the dressing room to do other things, but the patriotism in him didn’t make him do that. He joined in that instance to ensure victory for his country. Luke Shaw was shown a red card against Italy but stayed with the England squad for the next game against Ukraine despite being suspended for the match instead of returning to Manchester United. Patriotism, passion and loyalty are the identities of a warrior, and the players mentioned above understand this wholeheartedly.

     Would we also want another shameful situation where we wake up one morning to find the international media awash with stories that Eric Chelle has quit the Super Eagles as Head Coach, like most of his predecessors have done in the past?

    Can any follower of the game categorically say that the contractual deal between Chelle and his employer, NFF,  is cast in stone? Can we beat our chests to say that Chelle has been paid his wages, bonuses and allowances to date? Again, what would Chelle be doing between April and early September when  the next two World Cup games would be played? Who has seen Chelle’s contract to say that all the terms can be met, beginning with getting an official car and driver, not forgetting a befitting five-star accommodation space fitted with an Olympic-sized swimming pool to say the least?

    Would anyone be surprised to read here that there are whispers in the camp about unpaid entitlements for the coaches and backroom staff?  I hope the NFF knows that the European clubs would be neck deep in their preparations for the 2025/26 season. They wouldn’t be favourably disposed towards releasing their players for national team matches. The players too, would want to participate in their clubs’ pre-season training sessions to quicken the processes of blending the old and recruits meant to fortify their European clubs.

    Already, we are being told that the NFF will soon schedule a crisis meeting to address undisclosed subject heads. Indeed, it appears that Chelle’s contract doesn’t specify what would happen in the future. However, uncertainty over his long-term position has reportedly left him reconsidering his role.

    According to Nigerian sports journalist and lawyer, Osasu Obayiuwana, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has convened an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

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    “Eric Chelle is considering terminating his contract as Super Eagles manager. Sources within the NFF say that uncertainty over his fate beyond the FIFA World Cup qualifying series has led to a dramatic change of heart.  The NFF will hold a crisis meeting to address the matter,” Obayiuwana revealed.

    Yes, Chelle has seen that Nigeria’s chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup are far-fetched. And he needs to plot the trajectory of this movement as a professional football manager so that he isn’t marooned with Nigeria’s anticipated failure to pick the Group C’s sole qualification ticket. Ignore the cheap talk of qualifying as the group’s second-best team. This comes with another round of more difficult games.

    Rather than allow the laws take its course on the issue of South Africa fielding an unqualified player against Lesotho, our soccer federation chieftains are taking turns to shed light on it publicly, forgetting that the task of winning the remaining four matches is much easier than leading the campaign for the points deduction from their current points haul. What these NFF busybodies don’t understand is that deducting three points from Bafana Bafana’s points’ haul leaves the door ajar for Republic of Benin to finish in second position, of course, Benin have no game against South Africa making the last Group C game between Nigeria and Benin one in which the visitors a spoiler when the chips are down in October.

    I hope nobody will be talking about a South African conspiracy when the Rwandans come to Uyo in September to play us as if it is their first game in the competition. NFF people must learn how to keep their traps shut with due respect. If the Rwandans come to Uyo for the three points, it would be a legitimate ambition, having beaten us 2-1 inside the Stadium of Champions in Uyo during one of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification games.

    Now that we have a coach for the Eagles, NFF chieftains should task Chelle to establish enduring structures for the team to return to its previous winning form rather than insult fans with sloppy displays reminiscent of what we saw in Uyo last month against Zimbabwe, which ended 1-1. Nigeria has lost the fear factor, which made teams pitched against us here panic before the kick-off until they eventually get bombed with goals on match day. Rock in your casket, gangling Rashidi Yekini.

    NFF should allow the coach to pick his players since the buck stops on his table when things go awry. It won’t be a bad idea if the present members of the body’s Technical Subcommittee are removed and replaced with practising tacticians of repute. Being a former footballer doesn’t immediately qualify you to be a member of the NFF technical sub-committee.

    Whenever the Super Eagles’ team lists are released, they always look the same. Those who tottered during the competitions are swept back into the team on the altar of being experienced. The question to them is when will the budding talents in the 774 Local Government Areas of the country be eligible to play for Nigeria? In the past, we used to blame a mafia to certain players in the former Midwestern region in Nigeria. A senior colleague described those calling the shots before team lists are released as the ”committee of friends,” with the coaches kowtowing to their choices.

    Indeed, Chelle should develop a template that makes it mandatory for only regular players from the top European leagues to be invited to play for Nigeria going forward. Chelle needs to be told to stick to his plans by committing the country to play warm-up international friendlies against countries better than the Super Eagles to really assess our team. Friendly matches are trial games designed to expose new players and identify areas for improvement in the team, thereby introducing healthy competition for shirts among the players.

  • 2026 WC Qualifier: Chelle admits  tough test from Warriors

    2026 WC Qualifier: Chelle admits  tough test from Warriors

     Coach Eric Sekou Chelle  has admitted that  it won’t be a walk in the park  for the Super Eagles  when they battle against the Warriors of Zimbabwe this evening  for  their  2026 World Cup qualifier Matchday 6 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

    The Franco-Malian Chelle began his reign with a 2-0 triumph over Rwanda in Kigali last Friday as the Super Eagles secured their first   win of the campaign  after  taken just three points  from their opening  four matches.

    In previous games, the Super  Eagles  recorded  to three successive draws against Lesotho (1-1), Zimbabwe (0-0) and South Africa (1-1) before that disappointing 2-1 defeat to Benin.

    With the bounce against Rwanda, Chelle  said the next game this evening against Zimbabwe  is not going to be as easy as  ABC.

    “The second game (against Zimbabwe)  now is the most important,” the 47-year-old  Chelle, told journalists at his press conference in Uyo. “ I’m proud of my players, what they did in Rwanda was very difficult  but they made the job so…

    “We worked yesterday (Sunday)   and made a good training session  and we need to go again to the pitch to prepare  for the game tomorrow.”

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    He continued: “It (the match)  will not be easy because Zimbabwe has a good team  with good players  and good coach. This coach (Michael Nees)  has a good game project  and we need to be focus  in order to do the job tomorrow.”

    Team captain  William Troost-Ekong  said  the Super Eagles  have  quality players  that can turn things  round, adding  the objective of Chelle is to  ensure that  they  function as a unit in order to achieve  the maximum results.

    He said: “We have a lot of intelligent players  that plays at the highest level . They are used  to changing tactics with different coaches, so  it’s just about  adapting (with Chelle)  and  I think the coach said it before, we have a lot of quality in our team .”

     “He doesn’t need to explain much how we need to play  football. Rather it’s just about getting  everybody to play in harmony  and understanding . I think we saw that in the last game  but that is in the past , and we have to show that again in the next game (against Zimbabwe).”

  • KIGALI SHOWDOWN: Chelle completes first Eagles training with 22  players

    KIGALI SHOWDOWN: Chelle completes first Eagles training with 22  players

    Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle yesterday  began his proverbial journey of a ‘thousand miles’ with the Super Eagles  by holding his first  complete  training  session  with 22 players ahead  of the eagerly expected 2026 FIFA World Cup  Group C  qualifier  against  the Amavubi of Rwanda on Friday.

    Following the arrival of all the invited  players bar US-based  New England Revolution midfielder Yusuf Alhassan, Chelle conducted his first official training with the Super Eagles ahead of the crucial Matchday 5 encounter  against Group C leaders, Rwanda.

    The Super Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel  that had team officials along with home-based duo of  goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) and Papa Daniel Mustapha(Niger Tornadoes) on Sunday’s  evening , welcomed the quartet of Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyemaechi, goalkeeperAmas Obasogie and Tolu Arokodare in the early hours of Monday.

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    They were later joined on Monday night   by Simon Moses, Victor Boniface, Raphael Onyedika, Jordan Torunarigha, Stanley Nwabali, and Samuel Chukwueze.

    Thereafter, it was te turn of captain  William Ekong to hit the camp yesterday along  with 

    Wilfred Ndidi ,Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Joseph Aribo, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Ola Aina.

    Sevilla striker  Sadiq Umar, who arrived before mid-day , was the 22nd man in camp  and all of them participated in the team’s first training under the Franco-Malian tactician.

    Employed in January, Chelle has been tasked to revive the flagging Super Eagles’ World Cup dream  after  finding themselves  in an unfamiliar  fifth position  in Group C after taking just three points in their opening four matches.

    The trio of Rwanda, South Africa and Benin  have seven points each while Zimbabwe who are Super Eagles’ Matchday 6 opponents, are in fifth position with four points while Lesotho are sixth in the rear position.

  • NFF  to release  Chelle’s 23 men  for Rwanda, Zimbabwe tomorrow

    NFF  to release  Chelle’s 23 men  for Rwanda, Zimbabwe tomorrow

    • Super Eagles’ advance party hits Kigali Friday

    The  Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will tomorrow release the final list of 23 players  for next week’s  FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying showdown  against  Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

    Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle’s 39-manProvisional list  was released  last Wednesday amid  outcries  from both the press and public over the suitability  or otherwise of  some of the  shortlisted players including ‘retiring’ captain Ahmed Musa of Kano Pillars and  struggling Middlesbrough striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, among others.

    Over the weekend, there were speculations  about who and who have made the  final shortlist of 23 players  that  will prosecute  the must-wins  two matches  but  a decent source privy to the  arrangements for the matches, has  told NationSports that  the  final list will most likely be released ‘on Tuesday barring any last minute change of mind’.

    “Of course, the final list  of 23 players  for the two matches should be out this week,” he said. “ Unless  something happens, the 23-man list should be ready Tuesday.”

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    Our correspondent also gathered  that  the Super Eagles’ advance party for  the  match against the Amavubi of Rwanda  on March 21 would most likely depart for Kigali on Friday.

    “ The  final  23 players should start arriving in Kigali  by  the weekend, so the advance party  will depart by Friday,” he added. 

    The Super Eagles  are in  fifth position with three points from their opening  four matches in Group C.

     Incidentally, the Amavubi are  leading the section with seven points –the same as South Africa  and Benin- while  the Brave Warriors of  Zimbabwe who meets  the Super Eagles in Uyo  on Matchday 6, are  in fourth position with four points. Lesotho  occupies the sixth position on the table.

  • Wold Cup 26: Chelle  picks 30  for Rwanda, Zimbabwe  

    Wold Cup 26: Chelle  picks 30  for Rwanda, Zimbabwe  

    • Arokodare, Ogbu are new faces  

    Coach Eric Sekou  Chelle would  most likely unveil his eagerly awaited list of Super Eagles  to prosecute this month’s  FIFA 2026  World Cup double header against Rwanda  and Zimbabwe today.

    Nigeria travel away to Rwanda on march 21 before hosting  Zimbabwe in Uyo  four days later in what  are  must-win encounters  after the Super Eagles found themselves  in an unfamiliar  fifth place in Group C after taking just three points  from their opening  four matches in the qualifying tournament.

    Franco-Malian Chelle  who  was employed late January  with the task  of rescuing  Nigeria’s flagging World Cup campaign, has travelled  far and wide locally and  Europe   to assemble  his first set  of players which  might be unveiled today barring any last minute  change of mind.

    “The list (of Super Eagles) for the  match against Rwanda and Zimbabwe is ready and  most likely, it  could be released  on Tuesday (today)  or at worst before  the end of the week,” a credible source told NationSports.

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    Our correspondent gathered that the former Mali’s coach  has pencilled down 30 names  including  those on standby  in case of any exigencies  during  the two  crucial  matches.

    Besides the usual suspects  including the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman,  Calvin Bassey ,  and William Troost-Ekong,  Chelle  is also set to  extend  invitations  to  two former  national team cadet  players,  striker  Tolu  Arokodare  and defender Igoh Ogbu.

    24-year old Arokodare has been in great scoring form with Genk   in the current Belgian Jupiler with an impressive 16 goals  in 28 matches while  all-action  Ogbu has  made huge impression in the Czech Super Liga with  Slavia Praha.

    Chelle has hinted  that  qualification for  the  FIFA World Cup  is his priority for now , adding the Super  Eagles must  grind victories in  the two upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month  

  • Chelle to watch NPFL matches after Europe tour

    Chelle to watch NPFL matches after Europe tour

    Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will return to Nigeria to watch a number of NPFL matches, officials said.

    The coach has been visiting players across Europe ahead of next month’s must-win 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

    Chelle will  expectedly return to Nigeria soon along with his team of his assistants.

     “In less than two weeks, the coach will return to the country with his backroom staff,” an official disclosed. “They will meet with their employers the NFF to brief them on their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers.

     “They will also use this opportunity to watch a number of NPFL matches with the hope they could discover more players for the national team.”

    Meanwhile, Chelle has  reportedly asked the NFF to get the Super Eagles a friendly in June against an African team who play a similar style like Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

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    Chelle is being proactive because in September, the Super Eagles will be guests of Bafana Bafana in continuation of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    According to the FIFA calendar, the international break in June is between June 2 and 10.

     “The coach would want to play in June against an African country, who play like South Africa,” a source told SCORENigeria. “He would like to prepare for the match in South Africa (September) with this match in June.”

    Bafana Bafana are front runners in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with seven points from four matches, while the Super Eagles have three points.

    They held the Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw in Uyo in the first leg of the World Cup qualifiers.

    Nigeria take on Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali, before they welcome Zimbabwe to Uyo four days later as they hope to take their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track.