Chelle: Why Youngsters Are Joining Super Eagles

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained his decision to integrate more young players into the national team setup, highlighting the energy and fresh mentality they bring to the squad.

The Franco-Malian tactician handed opportunities to several emerging talents, both home-based and foreign-based, during the Unity Cup campaign, which Nigeria won.

He also gave youngsters valuable minutes in the midweek 2-2 draw against Poland, continuing his push to blend youth with experience.

Looking ahead to next week’s high-profile friendly against Portugal, Chelle told the Super Eagles media team:

‘We analyse our game and we try to put some players who can make the team improve because for me and for everybody it takes one detail to win a trophy.

‘We have to improve because I think we have to put some young players who can bring a new mentality, something new…

‘Some players will come with lots of energy, they will bring something like they want to win, to improve and the national team can be this for them.’

The Super Eagles are using these friendlies as preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they will face Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau, and Madagascar.