Are CHAN players good enough for Super Eagles? - Eric Chelle answers

Eric Chelle speaks on chances of CHAN players making Super Eagles team

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has given an insight into the possibility of players from Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles breaking into his main squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The CHAN Eagles, made up of players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), have long been considered a potential feeder team for the Super Eagles.

However, the team is yet to record a goal in two games at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) co hosted by Tanzania, Rwanda and Kenya.

The home based Eagles suffered a defeat to Senegal and Sudan. They will battle Congo in their last group game on Tuesday.

What Chelle said

When asked if any home-based stars could be called up, Chelle stressed the importance of mentality and readiness to handle the demands of international football.

“My squad has very good players despite the fact that we lost two games,” Chelle said.

He added, “If the players want to make the Super Eagles team, they need to be prepared, they need to have the mindset. There is a lot of pressure because you must win.”

While not ruling out the inclusion of CHAN Eagles players, Chelle emphasised that adaptation and mentality will determine whether they can step up.

“I don’t say they are not good, but they have to have the mindset. I have a reflection, I see and I think about something, but this is not the moment to say a player can come or not. Most important is my reflection and my analysis about the team,” he added.

The Super Eagles will host Rwanda on September 6 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium before traveling to South Africa on September 9th for the World Cup qualifiers fixtures.