Chelle: NPFL Brimming with Talent

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reaffirmed his belief in the quality of Nigeria’s domestic league, noting that the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) remains rich with talented players.

Speaking ahead of the release of his squad for this month’s Unity Cup tournament, Chelle explained that his recent scouting tour across NPFL venues was aimed at personally assessing players he had already been monitoring.

‘There is talent everywhere,’ Chelle said, stressing the importance of watching players live to make final decisions on potential call-ups. ‘I needed to see some players closely,’ he added.

While acknowledging that many players impressed during his visits, Chelle emphasized that national team selection remains highly competitive. ‘Not everyone can be picked,’ he noted.

The coach underscored that his NPFL tour was part of a broader effort to strengthen the connection between the Super Eagles and the domestic league.

‘The local league matters,’ he said.

Chelle also hinted that he has already finalized the names he intends to include in the Unity Cup squad ahead of the official announcement. ‘I already have my picks,’ he stressed.

The upcoming Unity Cup is expected to provide opportunities for several new and home-based players to showcase themselves within the national team environment.