'I've already made my choice' - Chelle keeps cards close ahead of Unity Cup squad announcement

With the 2026 Unity Cup at The Valley in London fast approaching, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has indicated that the tournament will provide a key opportunity to assess emerging talents and broaden his player pool.

Nigerian football fans are now eagerly awaiting the squad announcement, with players such as Plymouth Argyle forward Owen Oseni, Pisa striker Rafiu Durosinmi, Hamburg winger Philip Otele, Dukla Prague midfielder Samson Tijani and Ikorodu City captain Tosin Oyedokun expected to receive call-ups.

"Definitely, Nigeria is blessed with a lot of talent, but not all will play at the same time, so I try my best to give opportunities to those who can fit into our philosophy and vision, which is to become the best,” Eric Chelle told TVC News.

After the Unity Cup, Chelle is expected to name his strongest squad for the high-profile friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

However, the Malian tactician has acknowledged that player availability could complicate his plans for the matches against the European countries.

"At this time, this is difficult because for these games against Poland and Portugal, players are on holiday. They have spent a year playing, some have minor injuries, and they need to rest, so it will depend on how they feel,” Super Eagles coach Chelle explained.

"I have a few days to think about everything. Now, I prefer to stay focused on the Unity Cup and work during these few days for the games in June."

Chelle was also spotted observing Nigeria Premier Football League matches ahead of the Unity Cup squad announcement, with the coach expressing admiration for several standout performers in the domestic league.

"There are some good talents in the league. I watched some of them because I follow them, and I wanted to see them in real situations. I have already made my choice, so we will see in a few days."

Finally, Chelle outlined his short and long-term ambitions with the Super Eagles, despite being linked with vacant coaching roles in Africa and in the French Ligue 1 following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

"When I took the job, my goal was to win. You can ask the Nigeria Football Federation, but definitely, if you are the coach of the Super Eagles, you need to win, so there is a lot of pressure, but I’m ready to do my job and try to give the best for this country."