Chelle: Super Eagles door open as new faces earn their chance

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says every eligible player remains in contention for a place in the national team after selecting Czech-based duo Mubarak Suleiman and Abdullahi Bewene, former Golden Eaglets captain Samson Tijani and recalling midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi.

Suleiman, who plays for Sparta Prague, has been rewarded for an impressive season. The forward has scored five goals and provided three assists in 13 appearances across all competitions, giving him the opportunity to demonstrate his ability at senior international level.

Chelle said the latest selection reflected the quality and commitment shown by the invited players, while stressing that the Super Eagles would not be closed to anyone capable of representing Nigeria.

“Like I said, the national team is not closed to anybody. If they are here, it is because they deserve to be here,” Chelle said during his press conference.

The Franco-Malian coach believes the new and returning players can bring different qualities to the squad and provide fresh options for the team.

“They have something to bring, some new things. And for the other players, they are not in the squad. It doesn’t mean that the show is done,” he added.

Chelle also said the selected players were determined to prove themselves and had no reason to be intimidated by the opportunity.

“They want to show it to everybody, what they can do. They are very motivated. I don’t think they are scared,” he said.

The players will now seek to produce performances strong enough to convince Chelle of their quality and improve their prospects of establishing regular places in the Super Eagles squad.