The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) appointed Eric Chelle following the Super Eagles' disappointing performance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.
Chelle's primary mandate is to secure Nigeria's qualification for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
To prevent further setbacks, the NFF has agreed for the team to participate in the Unity Cup as part of their preparations ahead of the crucial qualification matches in September.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle said beating Jamaica to win the Unity Cup would be an added advantage for Nigeria.
According to the Guardian, the 47-year-old said the Reggae Boyz are a good side following their 3-2 win against Trinidad and Tobago.
The former Mali handler assured Nigerians that the national team is a work in progress and results would begin to show soon. Chelle said the team has two more training sessions before the final on Saturday.
He said: “The team wants to win (the trophy), but the reality is Jamaica is a great team, with a great staff and players. It will be a great game again, so we focus on two or three training sessions and we will see after. “Super Eagles need to work hard to improve, but as I said earlier, the reality is that there is little time to practice this system.”
Eric Chelle has defended his team selection for the semifinal against Ghana in the Unity Cup. The Super Eagles coach emphasised that only the best players deserve to represent Nigeria in international matches.
Chelle reiterated that his primary focus is to ensure Nigeria secures victory in their World Cup qualification matches this September.
He said via AllNigeria: “My job is to work and try to do the best for this team, for Nigerians, for the local players and for the other players.
“So, we work. I am happy to be here with my players, and we are focused on the next World Cup qualifier in September.”
🚨 PHOTO SPEAKS 📸
— MR OLAWALE QUADRI 🇳🇬 (@QualityQuadry) May 30, 2025
Eric Chelle, yesterday at the training session in London.
He focused more on some players who haven't played in the Unity Cup, especially the NPFL players!!!
Looking like some of them would play the final tomorrow against Jamaica 🇯🇲. pic.twitter.com/hvMcvi4Dpk
