Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has praised Nigeria’s home-based players, asserting that they possess the talent to compete at the highest levels of football. His remarks come after the Nigerian national team secured a 2-1 victory over West African rivals Ghana in the Unity Cup held in London on Wednesday.

Over the years, previous coaches of the Super Eagles have faced criticism for overlooking the contributions of home-based players. However, in an interview following the match, Chelle expressed his intent to offer more opportunities to local talent in the team.

“These players have some quality,” Chelle said. “My job is to analyse and make the right choices. If I’m wrong, I’ll accept the criticism. But the reality is, I want to give these players a chance. I need to include players who can add something to the team because winning is crucial for me.”

Chelle highlighted the importance of identifying players who could make an impact in high-pressure situations. He referenced how the inclusion of the right player could prove pivotal in tight games against teams like Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, or Lesotho.

“My task is to work and try to do the best for this team, for Nigeria, and for both local and international players. We’ll keep working hard. I’m happy to be here with my players, and we are focused on the next match in September,” Chelle added.

After securing a win against Ghana, Nigeria is set to face Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup this Saturday. Chelle praised the Jamaican team, calling them a “great team with great players,” while emphasizing that the focus remains on winning the game.

Despite the triumph, the Malian tactician underscored the need for more training sessions to further improve the Super Eagles’ performance. “We still need to work more,” Chelle noted, indicating his drive to refine the team ahead of future competitions.

With the next challenge ahead, Nigeria’s Super Eagles are determined to maintain their momentum under Chelle’s leadership.