The 2025 Unity Cup in London and the forthcoming friendly against Russia will afford Eric Chelle not only a chance to work with the Super Eagles a little longer, but also bring fresh competition to the squad ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September.
In the absence of the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, among others, the coach called up by far the biggest NPFL contingent of 10 players in a long time with three of them starting against Ghana in the opening game of the Unity Cup.
Remo Stars right fullback Sodiq Ismail caught the eye for his assist for Cyriel Dessers opening goal against the Black Stars, but he left much to be desired with his poor defending against the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica in the tournament final.
Both equalisers by Jamaica were from his wing, first he was beaten for pace before his opponent delivered the cross to peg back the Super Eagles after they had gone in front two minutes earlier.
For the second equaliser, Sodiq gave the attacker enough time and space to deliver another tantalizing cross into the box from which the Reggae Boys again got back on level terms.
Both Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel and striker Sikiru Alimi from Remo Stars did not justify their starting XI spots and it was therefore not a surprise that they did not feature in the final against Jamaica.
Slavia Praha central defender Igho Ogbu was decent against Ghana, stepped up as the leader against Jamaica even though he was culpable for the defensive lapses the team suffered.
Dessers stood up to be counted at the Unity Cup – a goal against Ghana and an assist against Jamaica.
The attack is the Super Eagles forte and so the competition in this department is the ferciest.
Besides Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare has added more fuel to the competition on the back of his goals for Genk this past season, while Victor Boniface cannot be dismissed even though he has failed to fire in a Super Eagles shirt.
Also in this mix are the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Sadiq Umar, Terem Moffi and Jerome Akor.
Samuel Chukwueze may be an old stager, but he brought new energy playing a free role in a 4-3-3 formation and was duly rewarded with a goal against Jamaica.
He was a player reborn as his AC Milan future remains up in the air.
Brentford youngster Benjamin Fredrick will be one of the biggest discoveries from the Unity Cup as Eric Chelle rebuilds an aging central defence.
The last-minute call-up looked very prepared on his debut and at only 20, he is the future of the Super Eagles, little wonder even Eric Chelle could not help but be excited by his emergence.
The other new boy who showed a lot of promise from the London tournament is Werder Bremen left back Felix Agu.
He too looked like he has been part of this team for a long time.
He will add value to the team as Eric Chelle continues to shop for worthy competition that will freshen his squad for the many tasks going forward.
