– Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has thrown down the gauntlet to team captain Ahmed Musa, declaring that the veteran forward must “show what he can do” to earn a permanent place in the national squad. Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s opening fixture in the Unity Cup in England, Chelle emphasized the need for performance over reputation, as he seeks to rebuild the team’s identity with fresh faces and renewed intensity.
Chelle Issues Challenge to Ahmed Musa Amid Squad Reshuffle
Coach Eric Chelle has made it clear that past glories will not secure current opportunities, even for a national icon like Ahmed Musa. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Nigeria’s opening Unity Cup match against Ghana, the newly appointed Super Eagles coach acknowledged Musa’s illustrious past but insisted the 32-year-old must re-prove himself to remain relevant in the national team setup.
“Ahmed Musa is a good player, is a great player,” Chelle admitted. “He brings experience, and he has played many big games. But he must show us what he can still offer on the field. That’s the only way he can get back into the team.”
Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s most capped player with 108 appearances, last featured briefly in a pre-AFCON friendly against Guinea in January 2024, logging only seven minutes. Although he made the final squad for the tournament, he did not play a single minute as Nigeria progressed without him.
A New Vision: Performance Over Legacy
Chelle’s decision to exclude Ahmed Musa from the final World Cup qualifying squad earlier this year sparked controversy, especially after initially naming him in the provisional list. Now, with the Unity Cup offering a platform for player assessment, the coach is offering Musa a last opportunity to stake his claim.
“My vision is clear,” Chelle said. “Everyone must earn their place, and that includes Ahmed Musa. He will get minutes at the Unity Cup, but he has to take this chance and show us what he can do. If he plays a great game, I will decide whether to bring him back. But the pressure is on him to be exceptional.”
The coach’s comments underscore a shift from sentimentality to meritocracy—a message aimed not just at Musa, but at every player in contention for Nigeria’s national team.
Creating a New Identity for the Super Eagles
As Chelle prepares to guide Nigeria through a crucial rebuilding phase, he emphasized the need to establish a distinctive playing style and tactical identity. With several new faces in the squad, the Unity Cup is seen as a testing ground for the future of Nigerian football.
“We want to build a group, create an identity, and develop a game plan that players can understand and adapt to quickly,” Chelle stated. “The Unity Cup is the perfect opportunity to test new players and systems in preparation for our competitive matches in September.”
The coach’s approach signals a move away from reliance on established stars, focusing instead on creating a cohesive and dynamic team unit. This includes grooming players who are tactically flexible and physically aggressive—qualities he believes are vital for international success.
New Blood and Homegrown Talent Join the Fold
Ten new players have been invited to the squad for the Unity Cup, including Werder Bremen defender Felix Agu, who recently switched allegiance from Germany to Nigeria. The rest of the newcomers were scouted from Nigeria’s domestic league, where Chelle personally watched matches to identify potential talents.
“I watched two games in the league and picked ten players. They are good players,” Chelle said. “I analyzed them myself, and I believe they have what it takes to bring energy, intensity, and aggression to this team.”
The inclusion of homegrown talent marks a notable shift toward nurturing local players and giving them international exposure. Chelle’s selections reflect a broader vision of building a team that represents the future of Nigerian football, blending youth, determination, and technical ability.
Unity Cup Offers Crucial Tests Ahead of Qualifiers
Nigeria opens its Unity Cup campaign against Ghana on Wednesday, a fixture steeped in West African rivalry and rich footballing history. The Super Eagles will then face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago on May 31 in their final group match. Chelle is using the competition as a preparatory platform ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in September.
“These games are not just friendlies. They are opportunities for players to show they belong on the international stage,” Chelle stressed. “We are watching closely to see who fits into our long-term plans.”
As Nigeria looks to reclaim its status among Africa’s footballing elite, all eyes will be on Ahmed Musa and the new-look squad to see if they can rise to the occasion and impress a coach determined to set a new standard for excellence.
