Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle has defended his decision to introduce a wave of new faces into the Super Eagles setup in recent weeks, insisting the shake-up is part of a deliberate strategy to raise the overall quality of the squad ahead of future competition, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Malian coach named eight Nigeria Premier Football League players in his Unity Cup squad and used the tournament to hand senior debuts to Femi Azeez, Owen Oseni, Arthur Okonkwo and Rafiu Durosinmi.
Abdullahi Bewene, the Banik Ostrava defender, subsequently earned his first cap in the friendly draw against Poland, while Genk defender Christian Akpan received a late call-up for the upcoming friendly against Portugal in Leiria on June 10.
Chelle explained that the selections followed a thorough review of the team’s performances over the past year and were guided by a desire to close the gap between Nigeria and the continent’s top sides.
“We have analysed our game over the past year and have tried to bring in players who can help the team grow,” the coach said.
“We need to improve because, for me and for everyone, it is often the smallest details that make the difference between being the best team and winning a trophy.”
Nigeria head into the Portugal friendly with 22 players in Lisbon. Of the 19 who travelled from Warsaw, Rafiu Durosinmi was excused for personal reasons, while Alex Iwobi and Akpan have since joined the group.
Samuel Chukwueze joined up with the squad on Friday, with Chelle continuing to use the window to assess his options as preparations begin for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
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