Eric Chelle calls up former Arsenal GK to train with Super Eagles , also qualifies for Uganda

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has handed former Arsenal goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri an opportunity to train with the Nigerian national team ahead of their Unity Cup encounter against Zimbabwe in London.

Ejeheri, who currently plays for FC Midtjylland, joined the Super Eagles camp during Saturday’s training session held at Cray Valley Paper Mills ground on Middle Park Avenue, London.

The goalkeeper, who remains eligible to represent England and Uganda internationally, expressed delight after his first experience with the Nigerian senior national team setup.

"It was really exciting and I enjoyed it,” Ejeheri told Proudly Austin. "It's been a long time coming so I am really proud of this moment.”

The Super Eagles opened preparations for the Unity Cup tournament with 14 players as Chelle continued assessing options ahead of the clash against Zimbabwe.

Ejeheri admitted he felt comfortable during training and insisted there was no pressure despite the significance of the invitation.

"I don't think there's any pressure in training. Maybe if I was to play a game I'd feel some sort of pressure, but even now football is football, so you got to really enjoy it,” he added.

The Hale End Academy product also reaffirmed his desire to represent Nigeria despite being eligible for England and Uganda.

According to him, the invitation marks another important step in his international ambitions.

"It's a moment I'll remember for the rest of my life because this is the first time. You always remember the first time of anything.

"It would be good to keep the momentum going, but whatever comes my way I'll deal with it. I'm grateful for the opportunity for sure."

Ejeheri was also pleased to reunite with fellow Arsenal product Arthur Okonkwo in the Super Eagles camp, describing the meeting as special after both players progressed through the Hale End system.

"Once you leave Arsenal, it is good to see one of the boys again. It's like an old friend you haven't seen in a while," Ejeheri said, before backing Okonkwo to succeed with the national team. "He's a very good goalkeeper so why wouldn't he do well."

Speaking on the qualities he can bring to the Super Eagles, Ejeheri highlighted his ability to play in a modern system that suits Chelle’s tactical approach.

“Being a good goalkeeper in general and of course playing in the role that the coach would want me to play, with the high line and all those kind of things, I feel like I can do that, and support team, and playing out from the back as well.

"Experience is a good thing for sure but it can be overstated because you gain experience by playing, but you gain your skills from training. I have gained a lot of skills throughout my time."

He also reflected on his early interaction with Chelle, revealing that the coach’s personality immediately stood out to him.

"He had a good chat and I was training. He (Chelle) is quite funny. I wasn't expecting the way he acted towards me, so it was funny."

The Super Eagles camp intensified preparations on Sunday as the number of players in camp increased to 17 with the arrivals of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, Trabzonspor defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, and Pisa striker Rafiu Durosinmi.

The defending champions are set to begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, May 26.