Chelle set for Super Eagles overhaul, eyes fresh talent for friendlies

By Olaolu Joseph

There are strong indications that some Super Eagles players may be shown the exit door, with fresh legs expected to be injected into the team.

Apparently unsatisfied with his team’s performance in the 1-1 draw against the Warriors of Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier played in Uyo last Tuesday, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is set to invite a new set of players for the international friendly against Russia in June and the subsequent four-nation tournament.

The Super Eagles will participate in an invitational tournament featuring Ghana and Jamaica after the friendly against Russia, with Chelle planning to test new players in these games.

“He has about 20 new players on his list, and if most of them excel during the international break, some senior or older players in the squad may be dropped,” an impeccable source in the NFF revealed.

The source further stated, “He (Chelle) wanted to use these new players in the games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, but he was advised against experimenting, as it could backfire.

“But after the game against Zimbabwe, he made up his mind to try the new players during the international break in preparation for the team’s World Cup qualifiers in September.”

Reports suggest that Chelle has Lesley Ugochukwu, George Ilenikhena, and Carney Chukwuemeka among the players he is considering recruiting for Nigeria.

This development may serve as a wake-up call for Super Eagles players, many of whom have been delivering subpar performances in recent times.