Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has praised the impact of NPFL players following their contributions in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Ghana, Wednesday, in London.
According to Chelle, the match not only showed the team’s overall depth but also highlighted the growing influence of home-based talents.
Sikiru Alimi and Papa Daniel Mustapha were both handed their senior debuts and started the match, while right-back Sodiq Ismaila earned his third cap.
Collins Ugwueze and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi also came off the bench in the second half to make their first appearances for the national team.
“These players, they have some qualities,” Chelle said during his post-match press conference.
“My job is to analyse. My job is to make some choices. If I’m wrong, then I’m guilty. But the reality is that I want to give some chances to these guys. Because I need to put in my team some guys who can add something because we need to win.”
He continued, “It’s important for me, maybe I will find a guy who can score in the last minute against Rwanda or against South Africa or against Zimbabwe or against Lesotho.
“So my job is to work and try to do the best for this team, for Nigeria, for the local players and for the other (foreign) players.”
Nigeria booked their place in the Unity Cup final with the win over Ghana, thanks to an early goal from Cyriel Dessers and an own goal by Ghana’s Razak Simpson.
Although Ghana pulled one back in the 70th minute through Christopher Bonsu Baah, the Super Eagles held firm to see out the win.
Up next, Nigeria will face Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup on Saturday, while Ghana will battle Trinidad and Tobago in the third-place playoff.
