Eric Chelle reveals why he left Osimhen and Lookman out of the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup!

Super Eagles coach Eric Sekhou Chelle has revealed that he has already ruled out some names for the upcoming tournament in England which includes several friendly matches between several teams including Ghana and Nigeria from the African continent.

As the three-time AFCON champions prepare to face Ghana's Black Stars at the Gtech Community Stadium on May 28th, head coach Eric Chelle has made some bold roster decisions. Notably absent are star players Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, with Chelle instead calling up ten players from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

Numerical names absent from the Nigerian national team for upcoming competitions!

Veteran striker Ahmed Musa has once again been given the opportunity to don the iconic green and white jersey, as Chelle appears to be testing new combinations ahead of future competitions. This experimental squad selection suggests the coaching staff is using the high-profile friendly as a platform to evaluate emerging talent alongside experienced campaigners.

The inclusion of numerous domestic league players offers a rare chance for NPFL standouts to prove themselves against quality opposition, while Musa's continued presence indicates his leadership remains valued within the set-up. With several big names excused, all eyes will be on how this mix of youth and experience performs against their West African rivals.

What Nigeria's head coach had to say!

Nigeria's national team coach Eric Chelle has defended his surprising roster decisions for the upcoming Unity Cup match against Ghana, emphasizing his commitment to discovering new talent.

"Nigeria boasts an incredible pool of players," the French tactician told NFF media. "My priority is giving opportunities to prove their worth rather than focusing on established names. We're building something special here - creating a distinct identity requires introducing players who can adapt quickly."

Chelle revealed his extensive scouting process:

• Personally attended NPFL matches to evaluate domestic talent

• Selected 10 league players based on rigorous analysis

• Believes they'll bring "energy, aggression, and intensity" to the squad

Regarding veteran Ahmed Musa's inclusion, Chelle was clear: "His quality is undeniable, but like everyone, he must earn his place. The pressure to perform applies equally to legends and newcomers alike."

The coach positioned the Ghana friendly as a strategic testing ground: "This tournament allows us to experiment before September's crucial fixtures. Every call-up represents both an opportunity and an audition for the future."

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.