Eric Chelle: l’ll be watching the NPFL run-in closely

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has handed a massive lifeline to domestic stars in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The Malian tactician confirmed he will spend the remainder of the NPFL season scouting for the upcoming 2026 Unity Cup, a move that signals a new era of inclusivity for the national team.

The Unity Cup, scheduled to take place in London this May at Charlton Athletic’s The Valley, is not just another invitational. It is a primary testing ground for home-based talents and uncapped dual-national prospects

Chelle is looking to expand his options ahead of a busy international calendar. By taking the tournament to London, the coach aims to bridge the gap between the domestic league and the foreign-based core that traditionally dominates the Super Eagles roster.

• The NPFL lifeline

In his bid to assess new players around the world, Chelle stated that top performers in the NPFL will finally get the chance to impress on a global stage.

The coach is set to become a familiar face at league venues across Nigeria as the season reaches its climax.

This proactive approach addresses a long-standing grievance of Nigerian football fans who have called for more home-based representation.

Chelle’s plan is clear: if you perform in the NPFL run-in, the flight to London is yours to lose.

Eric Chelle is not just looking for backup players; he is looking for competition. By using the Unity Cup to evaluate NPFL stars alongside foreign-born talents, he is creating a competitive environment where merit is the only currency.

For the domestic players, the next few weeks are the most important of their careers. The Malian mastermind is watching.

The Unity Cup is the platform. The question now is which NPFL stars will have the fear factor required to make the cut for the trip to London.