Oparaku Warns Chelle: Resist Player Imposition in Super Eagles Selection

Former Nigerian international Mobi Oparaku has called on Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to ensure that only players who impressed him during his recent scouting of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) are invited to the national team.

Chelle, who was spotted at several NPFL venues in recent weeks, is expected to release his squad for the upcoming 2026 Unity Cup in London.

Speaking on Brila FM, Oparaku, who won gold with Nigeria at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, warned the coach against external pressures to include players who were not part of his personal evaluation.

‘He still needs to introduce one or two, but the coaches and the people that are on the side of scouting, bringing in players into the national team, he just has to be careful. They should do the right thing; go on there, check on the players they really want to introduce to the national team. Get the players you know, so that tomorrow, we would be shouting hallelujah on their head. That is what I want,’ Oparaku said.

Nigeria will face Jamaica, Zimbabwe, and India later this month at Charlton Athletic Stadium in London.

The tournament is seen as a key opportunity for Chelle to blend established stars with fresh NPFL talent.