Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has shed light on his rationale for integrating multiple fresh talents into the squad during the Unity Cup and the friendly match against Poland, according to DAILY POST. The coach included eight locally-based players in his lineup for the Unity Cup invitational. Among those earning their first caps were Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Arthur Okonkwo, and Rafiu Durosinmi.
In the encounter with Poland, Banik Ostrava’s Abdullahi Bewene debuted for Nigeria, while Genk defender Christian Akpan received a late call-up for the upcoming friendly against Portugal. Chelle emphasized his commitment to elevating the team’s performance. “We have reviewed our performances over the past year and sought to bring in individuals capable of fostering progress,” Chelle told Super Eagles media. “Enhancement is necessary because, to my mind and everyone else’s, it’s often the smallest margins that separate a good side from a championship-winning one.”