Eric Chelle hands home-based players a major opportunity as Nigeria face Zimbabwe in London
Head coach Eric Chelle has handed a major boost to the Nigeria Premier Football League after naming three NPFL players in the Super Eagles starting XI for Tuesday’s Unity Cup semi-final clash against Zimbabwe national football team in London.
Nigeria face Zimbabwe at The Valley as the Super Eagles continue preparations for upcoming international competitions while also defending the Unity Cup title they won last year. Reports from camp revealed that several invited players were yet to arrive before the game, forcing Chelle to rely on a mix of experienced internationals and standout home-based stars.
According to reports, three NPFL players were selected in the starting lineup, highlighting Chelle’s growing confidence in talents from the domestic league.
Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho is expected to captain the side in the absence of senior figures such as Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon. The backline reportedly includes two NPFL defenders, while another home-based player is set to operate in midfield alongside Tochukwu Nnadi and Samson Tijjani.
The attacking quartet is expected to feature Philip Otele, Femi Azeez, Terem Moffi and Owen Oseni as Nigeria search for victory against a Zimbabwean side eager to upset the defending champions.
The inclusion of NPFL players in the Super Eagles starting lineup against Zimbabwe is likely to excite followers of Nigerian domestic football, especially after Chelle previously stressed the importance of giving home-based stars opportunities at international level.
Nigeria head into the fixture looking for a strong response after mixed recent results, with the Unity Cup offering the coaching crew another chance to assess squad depth ahead of future qualifiers and tournament assignments.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, are expected to provide stiff opposition despite entering the game as underdogs. The Warriors secured a late draw against Nigeria in a previous meeting earlier this year, and Chelle has already described them as a “great team with strong players.”
For many of the NPFL stars involved, tonight’s game could become a defining moment in their careers and another important statement about the growing quality of the Nigerian domestic league.
Probable Super Eagles Starting XI vs Zimbabwe:
Francis Uzoho; NPFL defenders, Tochukwu Nnadi, Samson Tijjani, NPFL midfielder; Philip Otele, Femi Azeez, Terem Moffi, Owen Oseni.