Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to hand opportunities to several new players during Nigeria’s recent outings in London and Poland, as well as ahead of the team’s upcoming friendly against Portugal, insisting the national team must evolve in order to compete for major honours.
Chelle, who was appointed as Nigeria’s head coach in January 2025, has used the Unity Cup in London and the international friendlies against Poland and Portugal to test fresh faces, including home-based talents and dual-nationality players.
The Franco-Malian tactician explained that the move was part of a broader effort to improve the quality and mentality of the Super Eagles squad after carefully assessing the team’s performances over the past year.
“We have analysed our game over the past year and have tried to bring in players who can help the team grow. We need to improve because, for me and for everyone, it is often the smallest details that make the difference between being the best team and winning a trophy,” Chelle said to the Super Eagles media team.
Nigeria recently lifted the 2026 Unity Cup in London with a squad that featured several unfamiliar names, while more established stars joined the team ahead of the friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Players such as Arthur Okonkwo and Femi Azeez were among those given opportunities to impress during the tournament.
Chelle stressed that introducing younger players was necessary to inject freshness and added competition into the squad as the Super Eagles continue rebuilding following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“So we have to improve because we analyse everything. I think we have to bring in some young players who can bring a new mentality and something new,” he added.
The former Mali coach, however, dismissed suggestions that the current squad lacks winning mentality, insisting the additions were meant to complement the existing group rather than replace them.
“It is not a question about only mentality because the group has mentality to win but we need to put something fresh,” Chelle explained.
Chelle also expressed confidence that the hunger and determination of the newly invited players would positively impact the team moving forward.
“You know some players will come with a lot of energy. They will bring, for sure, 100% because they want to win, they want to improve, and the national team can provide this for them.”
The Super Eagles played out a 2-2 draw against Poland in their previous international friendly and will now turn their attention to a clash against Portugal next Wednesday at the Estádio Municipal de Leiria in Leiria, Portugal, as Eric Chelle’s side continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Wale Adejumo
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