Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has called for patience with Nigeria’s home-based players following the team’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Unity Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.
Chelle watched from the sidelines as a brace from Femi Azeez sealed Nigeria’s win at The Valley in London. Several players from the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, were included in the squad for the tournament, including Michael Atata, Aderemi Adeoye, Tosin Oyedokun, Chibueze Oputa, Obinna Igbokwe, and Elias Ochobi.
Speaking after the match, Chelle said he needs more time to work with the domestic players before they can fully integrate into his project. He noted that for many of them, this was their first experience playing in Europe, which made the pressure higher than usual.
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“I need some time to work with them and be part of the small project,” Chelle stated. “Nigeria won’t stop for that. I know it’s difficult for them to be here because maybe some of them, this is their first time in Europe, so the pressure was high for them.”
Despite the challenge, the coach expressed satisfaction with what the players showed on the night, saying he was happy with their performances against Zimbabwe.
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