Eric Chelle has outlined how upcoming fixtures will play a key role in reshaping and assessing the national team setup as preparations continue for future competitions.
Speaking on the invitational tournament in the off-season, Chelle explained that the tournament will serve as a platform to evaluate new players and widen the pool of options available to the senior national team.
“The Unity Cup provides a platform to assess new players. I will comb Europe and invite new players of Nigerian descent, alongside those who were previously called up but never got the chance to feature.”
Attention will also be placed on domestic performances, with standout players in the NPFL expected to earn opportunities.
“Top players from the Nigeria Premier Football League will also be considered as I will be watching a number of domestic league games from now until the end of the season.”
Looking ahead to the June international friendlies, Chelle confirmed that his strongest squad will be selected for the tests against elite European opposition.
Poland will host Nigeria in Warsaw on June 3, before another challenging fixture against Portugal on June 10, in Portugal.
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“For the big warm up games in June against Poland and Portugal, I will feature my first team players. These are games that can push us up the global ranking if we win them”
The friendlies form part of Chelle’s broader preparation strategy as focus gradually shifts toward the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers, which will begin in September 2026 and run until November 2026.
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