The Nigeria Football Federation, On Wednesday, announced the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament coming up at the end of the month.
The tournament will involve Ghana, Jamaica, Nigeria, and Trinidad and Tobago, and since it is not a competitive tournament, all the teams involved are expected to experiment.
It showed in the list that was released, as coach Chelle did not add some of Nigeria's biggest names in his list. There is also heavy inclusion of Nigeria Professional Premier League-based players, as 11 of them were drawn from clubs like Enugu Rangers, Plateau United, Kano Pillar, and champions Remo Stars.
Nine of the players 26 players who were named are newbies. In this piece, Soccernet.ng writes about all the debutants in the Super Eagles squad.
Christantus Uche
Christantus Uche has had a very good debut season at Getafe since joining from Primera Federacion II club Ceuta last year. Despite making the move from a club tiers below, Uche has quickly adapted to life in the Spanish top flight.
The 22-year-old box-to-box midfielder has contributed four goals and five assists in the Spanish La Liga, cementing his status as one of the best players at the club. He has even attracted attention for some top European clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle.
However, he could be quite erratic, as he has been sent off twice this season. If he can keep that part of his game in check, Christantus would add something different to the Super Eagles squad, for sure.
Felix Agu
The Werder Bremen star is one of the new boys on Chelle's list. He represented Germany at youth level, but he has since decided to switch to Nigeria. However, it appears that the 25-year-old defender has not been given the green light to play for the Super Eagles yet. As such he will only train with the team.
Agu's primary position is left-back, but he can function at right back or midfield. He is quick and likes to venture forward. He could be a real asset for Nigeria.
Ifeanyi Onyebuchi
A good number of NPFL-based players have gotten a look-in, and Onyebuchi is one of them. The 24-year-old Enugu Rangers center-back scored two goals in the just-concluded season, which shows that he is not afraid to venture forward.
He is also very strong, but technicality might be the issue. Onyebuchi was named in the provisional squad for the last games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, but he did not make the final cut.
Junior Nduka
Nduka was one of the standout players for Remo Stars in the run-up to their NPFL win. The 21-year-old defender is a solid and ruthless defender. He is also very good in aerial situations.
Given the fact that Nduka has a winning mentality from Remo Star's NPFL success, he could build on that momentum.
Waliu Ojetoye
Waliu Ojetoye had a very good season leading Ikorodu City as team captain. He produced ten assists and one goal from his right-back position. So clearly, he likes to bump forward and support the attack a lot.
He will look to make an impression on coach Chelle and hope that this will not be his only call-up.
Collins Ugwueze
The Enugu Rangers star also gets his maiden call-up to the Super Eagles squad. The 24-year-old midfielder had a stint in at Slovenian club Domzale, before returning to Nigeria.
Last season, Ugwueze contributed two goals and one assist in 30 league games. He is a hardworker and a good passer of the ball.
Saviour Isaac
The Enugu Rangers star is another player who can do big things for Nigeria. Saviour Isaac is coming off a very good season with the Flying Antelopes that saw his contribute nine goals and three assists in 31 games. He has an incredible work rate, moves box-to-box, and lives to strike the ball from range.
Abubakar Adamu
Abubakar Adamu is one of the experienced domestic campaigners in the squad. He has played for Enyimba, Rivers United, and now Plateau United.
The forward is nifty and has the ability to get into dangerous positions. He contributed six goals and five assists in 30 appearances for Plateau United last season. He can operate from either the left or right side of attack.
Sikiru Alimi
Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi is one of the new boys on the list.
More to follow…