By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa
    AfDB, UN-Habitat Scale Up Drive For Sustainable Urbanisation In Africa
    6 hours ago
    UN
    North Africa: Green Climate Fund Approves Record $300m For FAO-designed Projects In Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, The Sahel
    1 day ago
    UNICEF
    How Wars Across Middle East, North Africa Affecting Children – UNICEF
    1 day ago
    UNDP
    UN Development Programme Welcomes Historic Deal On Sustainable Development Even Amidst Global Turmoil
    2 days ago
    UN Secretary-General Launches Report To Break “The Cycle Of Debt Distress”
    6 days ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    Civil Society Organizations Share Experiences In Ending Gender-based Violence In Africa
    2 years ago
    Osinbajo Sees Digitalization As Africa’s Best Opportunity To Leap-frog
    2 years ago
    75th Anniversary: University Of Ghana Alumni In UK Celebrate With Fundraising Gala
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Ooni’s Wife, Olori Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi Takes Ile Ife Royalty To ADWIN Launch In Cote d’Ivoire
    3 weeks ago
    Independent UN Body Finds Systemic Racism Against Africans And People Of African Descent
    3 weeks ago
    Public Exit: Why South Africa Businesses Are Moving To Private Cloud
    4 weeks ago
    Cameroon Tops List Of World’s Most Neglected Displacement Crises
    4 weeks ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    Political Thugs Change Tactics, Focus On Snatching BVAS Machines
    2 years ago
    Lagos SWAN Celebrates Senator Abiru @59
    2 years ago
    Nigeria: Presidential Election Tribunal Returns Tinubu As President, Strikes Out Atiku, Obi’s Case
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Lagos LG Poll: Tunde Disco/Ganiyu Obasa Intensify Campaign In Agege
    6 days ago
    PHOTOS: Vinod Obasa Joins Other Lagos APC LG Candidates At Sanwo-Olu’s Reception
    1 week ago
    Lagos Lawmaker Praises Tinubu For Helping Nigeria Breathe Again
    3 weeks ago
    LG Election: Stakeholders Appeal To APC Not To Allow Chairmen Run For 3rd term
    2 months ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    2025 World Drug Day: CIKDAS, Flour Mills, Planet Bottling Company Partner To Combat Drug Abuse Amongst Youths
    3 days ago
    D2D Satellite Comms: Nigeria’s Space Research Agency Signs MoU With Chinese Firm, Galaxy Space
    2 weeks ago
    Substance Use Prevention In Focus As NDLEA, UNODC Unveil 2025 World Drug Day Activities
    2 weeks ago
    Benue: Stop the Killings, CAPPA Demands Immediate Action
    2 weeks ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    BBNaija 7: Khalid Says Relationship With Daniella Serious
    3 years ago
    Personality Check: Here’s a Look at the Top 5 Most Talked About Big Brother Titans
    2 years ago
    Candy Bleakz: Why It Has Always Been Tough For Female Artistes To Thrive
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    The Drama Returns As BBNaija ‘No Loose Guard’ Reunion Premieres June 23
    2 weeks ago
    You Can’t Fake it — James Omekwe On MultiChoice’s Impact On African Filmmaking
    3 weeks ago
    Jkenova and Ellacentric Exit Nigerian Idol Season 10 In Emotional Farewell
    3 weeks ago
    MultiChoice Africa x African Storytelling: How Local Content Shapes Local Culture
    4 weeks ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    Selfishness Leads To Suicide – Psychiatrist
    2 years ago
    Mercy Ships’ Newest Hospital Ship Prepares To Serve First Patients
    2 years ago
    Remi Tinubu, What Has God Got To Do With It? By Festus Adedayo
    8 months ago
    Latest News
    Noble Call to Service: Inside the Induction of 104 New Knights of St. Mulumba
    2 weeks ago
    Joining The Knighthood Brings You Closer To God -Sir Eva Njemanze
    2 weeks ago
    Africa Tech Festival Unveils Strategic Themes For 2025 Event,
    3 weeks ago
    Lagos SWAN Joins UN To Celebrate World Nutrition Month At Unilag Confab
    1 month ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    Unity Bank
    Unity Bank Empowers Young Entrepreneurs With ₦16M Business Grant
    1 hour ago
    NNPCL Board Accused Of Planning Lavish Party In Rwanda Amidst N210tn Financial Scandal
    2 weeks ago
    Can the African Energy Bank Transform the Continent’s Refining and Downstream Future?
    3 weeks ago
    Lagos Will Continue To Lead Initiatives That Accelerate Economic Diversification – Sanwo-Olu
    1 month ago
    Afreximbank
    Afreximbank Reports Strong Performance For Q1 2025 In Line With expectations
    1 month ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    Lagos Health Commissioner Visits LASUTH To Inspect OSSAP-SDGs Project
    2 years ago
    One In Six People Affected By Infertility Globally
    2 years ago
    Mental Health Disorder
    Half Of World’s Population Will Experience A Mental Health Disorder – Study
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Online Education Can Enhance Clinical Guideline Use By Over 50% 
    3 weeks ago
    The Hidden Lifeline – Blood Security And Africa’s Health Agenda By Dr Allan Pamba
    3 weeks ago
    Apepa or Arterial Blockage? The Urgency of Self-Care After 45 By Babafemi Ojudu
    4 weeks ago
    Roche Launches Diagnostics Operations In Nigeria,
    4 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: Unity Cup: Super Eagles Legends Hail Chelle’s Balanced Squad For Showdown In London 
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Sports > Unity Cup: Super Eagles Legends Hail Chelle’s Balanced Squad For Showdown In London 
Sports

Unity Cup: Super Eagles Legends Hail Chelle’s Balanced Squad For Showdown In London 

Last updated: 2025/05/22 at 5:19 PM
1 month ago
Share
SHARE

As Nigeria prepares for the highly anticipated Unity Cup Tournament in London, two Super Eagles greats—Garba Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju—have thrown their weight behind current head coach Eric Chelle for his commendable decision to blend homegrown talents from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with established foreign professionals. 

Their endorsement comes as Chelle names a 25-man squad set to face off against Ghana in the semi-finals of the Unity Cup on May 28, with the tournament finale billed for May 31 at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London.

Chelle’s approach evokes memories of legendary Nigerian coaches such as Clemens Westerhof, Stephen Keshi, and Bonfrere Jo, all of whom famously integrated domestic league players into the national team fabric. 

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

That tradition, which played a crucial role in Nigeria’s golden football era of the 1990s, appears to be receiving a modern-day revival.

In an interview with reporters, Mutiu Adepoju—fondly remembered as “The Headmaster” for his aerial prowess—noted that Chelle’s inclusion of nine-ten NPFL players is not only strategic but inspirational for local talents.

 “Yes, I think it’s a good one, a good development,” Adepoju said. “Counting the number of home-based players, I could see nine—this is great for the NPFL. It’s a way of encouraging our domestic league and showing belief in the talent available at home.”

When asked whether Chelle is intentionally following in the footsteps of former coaches like Westerhof and Keshi, Adepoju affirmed:

“Yes, I think it’s always good. Chelle did something similar while he was coaching in Mali. It’s best to ensure the local league is encouraged—it’s very important.

Adepoju also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the tournament:

 “Why not? They are going there to compete. If they put everything they have into it, I believe they can win.”

Opportunity for home-based players to shine

Similarly, Garba Lawal—a versatile midfielder from Nigeria’s golden generation—hailed the squad list as a refreshing nod to player development.

 “It’s a good one. I believe Chelle wants to give some other people a chance to play, which is good,” said Lawal. “It’s a mix of foreign and home-based players. I hope the home-based will take advantage of this opportunity.”

Lawal emphasised the significance of performance for local players in such international settings:

“There aren’t too many professionals in there, so the home-based players need to showcase their talents. As a player, this is the kind of opportunity you’re looking for. When you’re called upon, you have to give your best because the coach has already done his part.”

He also echoed sentiments on the historical context, saying:

 “People like Westerhof, Keshi, Bonfrere Jo—they all did similar things. It’s not new. This is a traditional way of bringing in the local players.”

Strategic squad selection 

The Unity Cup is more than just another friendly tournament—it carries historical significance for Nigeria. 

The Super Eagles won the last two editions of the competition in 2002 and 2004. Notably, the 2004 edition saw the international debut of Obafemi Martins in a clash against Ireland. 

Martins would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated strikers, a testament to how impactful opportunities like the Unity Cup can be for emerging talents.

Chelle seems keen to continue that legacy. His selection includes marquee foreign-based names like Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), and Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla), balanced with standout NPFL performers such as Remo Stars’ captain Junior Harrison Nduka and Sikiru Alimi.

In goal, Stanley Nwabali returns alongside Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie.

The 2025 Unity Cup, featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, will serve as a platform for Chelle to assess squad depth ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers in September and October. The Franco-Malian himself acknowledged this in a recent statement:

“We’re looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles, helping us to strengthen our squad.”

This blend of youth and experience, domestic and diaspora, signals a strategic evolution under Chelle’s stewardship.

Beyond just winning the Unity Cup, the bigger victory may lie in building a more inclusive and competitive Super Eagles squad.

You Might Also Like

Lagos State League: Ighalo Officially Qualify For Super Four As Arubinjaga Seek Win

Island Stars Academy Arrive In Portugal For Lisbon Iber Cup

Alleged Extortion And Defamation: Bash Ali Drags Ex-Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, To Abuja Court, Demands N500bn Damages

Nnaji Outlines Benefits Of Hosting National Sports Festival In Enugu State

Lagos State League: Race For Super Four Still Open, Says Chekas United Feeders Boss

TAGGED: Unity Cup Tournament
INadminNG May 22, 2025 May 22, 2025
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article Lagos Will Continue To Lead Initiatives That Accelerate Economic Diversification – Sanwo-Olu
Next Article Nigeria’s Olu Verheijen Joins African Energy Week 2025 As Nigeria Strives For Energy Investment And Reform Nigeria’s Olu Verheijen Joins African Energy Week 2025 As Nigeria Strives For Energy Investment And Reform
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?