Eric Chelle has defended his home-based Super Eagles 23-man squad for this year’s Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
Chelle’s squad is dominated by players of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars.
Out of the 23 players that made the final cut, Remo Stars have seven, which raised eye brows in some quarters.
But Chelle has defended his decision to include more players from the NPFL champions.
“Who is the team who won the league last season because if you see Morocco, a lot of their players are from Raja, Wydad if you watch Angola most of the players are from the best team and South Africa there are eight players from just one team,” Chelle told the team’s media team.
Also Read: We’ll Give Our All To Win CHAN –Home-Based Super Eagles Star, Adelani
“This is not because my assistant is from Remo Stars and I have a philosophy which is I want to keep the ball, I want to have the ball. And when we don’t have the ball I want us to put pressure on the opponent. So I need to bring players who can play with my philosophy.
“Like I said there are lots of good players but the reality is that for me this is my job and this is why I need to put some players who can decide by their game. Also I need to create something with this players. But the truth is we have the best players in the team.”
Meanwhile, the home-based Super Eagles were forced to a 2-2 draw with Zanzibar on Thursday, in the second of their two test matches. The first meeting ended 0-0.
Chelle’s side will begin their campaign on August 5 against defending champions Senegal.
On August 12 they will face Sudan before ending the group stage with a tie against Congo on August 19.
By James Agberebi
2 Comments
Well wishes to our home based players.
Some of our best players to ever play for the SE started out as home based. Players like Okocha, Finidi, Amunike, Kanu, Amokachi, West, Keshi, Rufai, Chairman Chukwu, and a whole host of others too numerous to mention all started their careers at home. So who knows, we just might discover the next big player from these set of home based lads.
I support and encourage home based players. What I will not tolerate is having a home based quota in the SE. Selection for the SE must be based solely on merit. Only the best based on current form and stats.
Talking about great Naija players who started as home based, the GENTLE GIANT Okechukwu Uche is a shining example.
It’s unfortunate that we don’t remember past heroes in this country. It’s when they die that they are remembered. This guy was a rock in defense for us. If I see our team list and he’s in there, I’m relaxed. Everywhere mara nma. Very committed and disciplined player. Hardly misses invitations to camp. Gives 100% on the pitch.
I hope we can find another player of Okechukwu’s caliber someday. It all starts at home.
Nothing do you, coach Chelle. If you like, pick all the players from one club, all we want is good football and the CHAN trophy.