Unity Cup: Chelle Questions Standard Of Domestic League After Venue Tour

Unity Cup: Chelle Questions Standard Of Domestic League After Venue Tour

By Admin 

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed concerns over the quality of matches in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following his recent tour of league venues across the country, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Malian tactician, who has been monitoring domestic players ahead of the forthcoming Unity Cup tournament in London, was reportedly unimpressed by the standard of play in several matches he observed.

Chelle is understood to have attended multiple NPFL fixtures as part of efforts to identify home-based players capable of strengthening the national team. However, the coach eventually settled for only a handful of players after concluding that many of the talents require further technical and tactical development.

According to sources close to the team, Chelle was particularly disappointed by the overall quality of play in some matches, questioning whether the performances reflected the standards expected of Nigeria’s top-flight league.

The former Mali national team coach reportedly believes that issues relating to player recruitment, tactical organisation, and coaching standards may be affecting the competitiveness of the league.

Despite acknowledging the presence of talented individuals within the NPFL, Chelle is said to feel that only a few players are currently capable of competing for places in the Super Eagles, especially in positions where Nigeria already boasts strong options playing at top levels across Africa and Europe.

Meanwhile, six home-based players are expected to feature prominently for Nigeria at the upcoming Unity Cup tournament.

Among them is Ikorodu City forward Joseph Arumala, who has earned recognition after an impressive NPFL campaign in which he scored 13 league goals. The former Nigeria U-17 international has emerged as one of the standout performers in the domestic league this season.

Reports indicate that Ikorodu City will contribute three players to the squad, while Enugu Rangers are expected to provide two players. Rivers United and Shooting Stars are also likely to have one representative each in the team.

The selected NPFL players have already arrived in Abuja to begin visa processing ahead of the tournament in the United Kingdom.

Chelle is expected to unveil the full Super Eagles squad later this week following the completion of his assessment of domestic and foreign-based players.

Nigeria will face Zimbabwe in the semi-final of the Unity Cup at The Valley in London on May 26, 2026. The winner will advance to the final on May 30 to face either Jamaica or India.