Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is determined to resist moves by influential members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to impose players on him ahead of the upcoming Unity Cup Invitational tournament. According to a source close to Chelle, the French-born coach has made it clear that he will not tolerate any interference in his team selection for the tournament.
A source disclosed to that Chelle has vowed to turn down any attempts by stakeholders to dictate player selections, despite warnings from NFF President Ibrahim Gusau that the coach should be given a free hand to pick his players. “The big news is that Chelle has vowed to turn down moves by some stakeholders to impose players on him ahead of the Unity Cup tourney,” the source revealed.
Chelle’s stance has been described as stubborn, but the coach is reportedly prepared to stick to his guns over team selection, even if it means risking his job. “He (Chelle) has vowed never to listen to anyone, irrespective of their position. You will not believe he said he is prepared to stick to his guns over who to invite for that tournament, even if it means losing his job,” the source added.
The Unity Cup Invitational tournament is scheduled to take place in May, with the Super Eagles set to face Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Ghana. The tournament will kick off with the first semifinal on May 27, featuring Trinidad and Tobago against Jamaica, followed by Nigeria against Ghana on May 28. The final will take place on May 31, with the losers of the semifinal fixtures competing in the third-place game.
Chelle’s determination to maintain control over team selection has sparked interest in his approach to the tournament. With the NFF and other stakeholders seemingly divided on the issue, it remains to be seen how the coach’s stance will impact the team’s performance in the Unity Cup.