Nigeria are through to the 2026 Unity Cup final after beating Zimbabwe 2-0 at The Valley on Tuesday night, but Eric Chelle used his post-match press conference to deliver a pointed message to the domestic players he handed their debuts in south-east London, Footynaija.com reports.
Debutant Femi Azeez was the story of the night, the Millwall winger striking inside the first six minutes and returning in the 63rd to complete a brilliant brace on his first senior appearance.
Terem Moffi captained the side in the absence of Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon, while Chelle handed first caps to four players in total, including Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and NPFL duo Chibueze Oputa and Obinna Igboke of Enugu Rangers, who both started the game. Ikorodu City’s Aderemi Adeoye came on from the bench in the closing stages to earn his first cap.
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As revealed in the match report, Zimbabwe grew into the match in the second half and had their best chance when Marshall Munetsi found himself unmarked for a header from a corner, only to send it narrowly over.
The Super Eagles held firm and controlled the game well enough to see it out comfortably. The result sends Nigeria into Saturday’s final, where they will face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between India and Jamaica.
‘This is not a gift’
The bigger talking point after the final whistle was what Chelle had to say about the NPFL players he has been integrating into the national team setup.
The Franco-Malian coach was pleased but measured, making clear that performing well in a friendly tournament does not guarantee anything beyond it.
“This is only a friendly game, it is not the World Cup qualifier or the AFCON. They need to work a lot, understand what I want and the high level is difficult,” he said, in a report by Brila.net, referring specifically to the domestic-based players who featured.
He also outlined his vision for the project, while drawing a line in the sand.
“I just need some time to do my job, scout and work with players from the league. It could be like a project if they want,” Chelle added, referring to the NFF.
“But I am not Santa Claus, this is not a gift. I will have to judge their performance.”
Chelle named six NPFL players in his original 27-man squad for the tournament, the largest domestic contingent in the Super Eagles setup in recent memory.
Tuesday’s game gave four of them their first taste of senior international football. Whether it becomes more than that depends entirely on whether they can meet the standards their coach is demanding.
