Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has reportedly drawn a firm line against alleged attempts by powerful figures within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to influence his squad selection for next month’s Unity Cup Invitational Tournament in London.
According to a source close to the coach, Chelle has made it clear he will not tolerate any interference in his decisions as the national team prepares for high-profile friendlies against Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and arch-rivals Ghana. The French-born tactician is said to have emphasized that he would rather risk his job than compromise on his selection principles.
“The big news is that Chelle has vowed to turn down moves by some stakeholders to impose players on him. “He said he is prepared to stick to his guns over who to invite for the tournament, even if it means losing his job.”
This firm stance comes despite ongoing concerns from within the federation. While NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, has consistently maintained that the coach must be given the freedom to make his own choices, insiders claim some influential stakeholders continue to push for the inclusion of certain players.
A federation source confirmed the tension, stating that some individuals are actively lobbying for their preferred players to be called up for the friendlies.
The Unity Cup Invitational is set to take place at the 17,250-capacity Gtech Stadium, home of English Premier League side Brentford FC. The tournament, officially signed off on May 10, will kick off with Trinidad & Tobago facing Jamaica in the first semifinal on May 27.
The following day, Nigeria will face longtime rivals Ghana in a much-anticipated showdown, reviving a football rivalry that dates back 74 years. The tournament will conclude on May 31, with a third-place match and the final to crown the Unity Cup 2025 champions.
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