Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has offered valuable insight into the meticulous process behind selecting players for the Nigeria national team, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria boasts one of most talented pools of footballers playing their trades all over the world, a blessing that often doubles as a selection dilemma for whoever occupies the national team’s hot seat.
With so many players performing at high levels in different leagues, deciding who makes the final 25-man list for international duty can be an arduous task.
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Chelle, who has already faced several tough decisions since taking charge, acknowledged the difficulty that comes with managing such depth.
According to the Super Eagles boss, certain factors including club game time, current form, tactical suitability and the ability to make decisive contributions in key moments are carefully considered.
“There are at least 25 players who could play across the frontline — more than a full team. We try to manage it carefully,” Chelle explained in an interview with CAF.
“We’ve built a player-tracking system; we monitor around 80 players every week — roughly 80 matches to watch.
“Selection comes down to several criteria: first, are you playing for your club; second, are you performing; third, do you fit our tactical framework. Sometimes the tactical criterion wins.
“For example, Ademola Lookman hadn’t played much for Atalanta early in the season, but I couldn’t name a squad without the African Player of the Year. He can change a game in 15 minutes.
“Picking 25 is never easy — in Nigeria, it’s even harder — which is why we work so hard.”
Nigeria is gearing up for their crucial World Cup play-offs semi-final against Gabon and Chelle will once again be faced with the tough task of deciding the best players for the job at hand.
