Eric Chelle Raises NPFL Quality Concerns Ahead of Super Eagles’ Unity Cup Campaign in London

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle conducted a scouting tour across Nigeria to assess domestic talent ahead of the Unity Cup in London, but sources suggest the exercise left him with significant doubts about the current quality of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).

According to a report by BSN, Chelle was underwhelmed by the level of play in several matches he attended and believes a considerable number of players still require substantial technical and tactical development before they can be considered viable options at international level. The Malian tactician was reportedly in attendance at the match in which Shooting Stars defeated Nasarawa United 3-2, among other fixtures he observed during the tour.

Sources close to the coach indicate that his concerns extend beyond individual player quality. Chelle is also said to have questioned the tactical discipline, coaching structures, and player recruitment processes operating within Nigeria’s top-flight domestic league system. According to reports, he questioned whether the performances he witnessed were consistent with the expected standards of a premier national league.

While Chelle acknowledged the presence of individual talent within the NPFL, he reportedly believes only a small number of domestic players are currently equipped to compete for Super Eagles places alongside Nigeria’s foreign-based contingent, many of whom are active in European leagues and other leading African competitions.

Despite those reservations, the scouting exercise is still expected to yield results at squad level. Six NPFL players are reportedly set to be included in Nigeria’s squad for the Unity Cup. Among the most prominent names is Joseph Arumala of Ikorodu City, who caught attention after scoring 13 league goals during the current season. Reports suggest Ikorodu City alone could contribute three players to the squad, with Enugu Rangers expected to provide two representatives. Rivers United and Shooting Stars are also likely to have players included.

Nigeria will participate in the Unity Cup alongside Zimbabwe, Jamaica, and India. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Zimbabwe in the semi-final at The Valley in London on 26 May, with the winner of that tie set to meet either Jamaica or India in the final on 30 May.

The Unity Cup provides an opportunity for Chelle to evaluate home-based players in a competitive international setting — a factor that could inform future NPFL scouting decisions. Nigeria’s participation in the tournament also comes in the context of the Super Eagles’ absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after failing to secure qualification through the African playoff round.