Unity Cup: Chelle pleased with NPFL players despite call for improvement

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is pleased with the performance of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars in Tuesday’s Unity Cup game against Zimbabwe, www.aclsports.com reports.

Chelle handed starts to Rangers International fullbacks Chibueze Oputa and Kenneth Igboke, while the Ikorodu City duo of Tosin Oyedokun and Aderemi Adeoye made cameo appearances in the comfortable win over the Warriors at the Valley.

Speaking after the match, Chelle expressed his satisfaction with the boys’ performance, stressing that they still need to work hard to become regulars in his team.

“I just need some time to do my job, to scout some players in the league. I need some time to work with them,” said an excited Chelle in a post-match conference monitored by Elegbete TV.

”It was difficult for the new players because maybe for some of them, it was the first time they came to Europe. So, the pressure was high for them. But as I said earlier, I’m happy with what they showed me and what they showed Nigeria. So, I’m just happy for that, but once again, this is only a friendly game. This is not the World Cup qualifier or AFCON qualification.”

The 48-year-old tactician further highlighted the demands of playing at the highest level and what he expects from his players, before commending the players for their mentality and attitude during the encounter.

”They need to work a lot. They need to understand. They need to try to understand what I want, what the officials want, and what the technical staff wants. And the high level is difficult. So, happy for the result, but for sure tomorrow we work again.”

”They made some mistakes, but their state of mind is very good. They want to succeed, so I’m just here to give them a chance. But like I told them, I’m not Santa Claus. This is not a present because I will judge them. This is the job, and they are players. I have to make some choices. They need to be very good,” Chelle concluded.

Of the seven NPFL players named in the Unity Cup squad, only goalkeeper Michael Atata, Tijani Al-Ameen, and Ayobami Junior were unused in the victory over Zimbabwe.

The Super Eagles will now take on either Jamaica or India in the final on May 30 at the same venue, with several of the NPFL stars hoping for another opportunity to impress.