“I Tell Them I Am Coming To Watch”Chelle Reveals How He Monitors Super Eagles Players
“I Tell Them I Am Coming to Watch” Chelle Reveals How He Monitors Super Eagles Players Eric Chelle has revealed the detailed approach he uses to monitor Nigeria national football team players, explaining that he actively tracks their club performances and even attends matches in person to evaluate their form and fitness. The Super Eagles coach said he maintains close contact with players and often informs them in advance when he plans to attend their games, a method he believes helps motivate them to perform at a higher level.
Chelle explained that his scouting process is hands-on, revealing that he frequently travels to watch players in top European leagues and follows their development closely throughout the season.
“I tell them I am coming to watch the match,” he said, emphasizing that players are usually aware when he is in attendance.
His comments highlight a proactive approach to squad management, where direct observation complements video analysis and performance data. The coach’s monitoring strategy reportedly includes attending major league and cup matches involving Nigerian internationals and dual-nationality prospects across Europe. On one occasion, Chelle was spotted at the Orange Vélodrome during a match involving Olympique de Marseille, underscoring his commitment to evaluating players in competitive environments.
He also noted that he closely follows high-profile fixtures involving Super Eagles stars, ensuring he understands both their tactical roles and physical condition at club level. Beyond live scouting, Chelle has previously explained that his coaching team tracks a large pool of players weekly, reviewing performances, minutes played, and tactical suitability before making squad decisions. The approach is designed to ensure that only players in peak form and compatible with the team’s system are selected for international duty. Chelle’s monitoring system is part of a broader selection philosophy that prioritizes three key factors: club playing time, current performance level, and tactical fit within the national team structure. He has stressed that even highly talented players must meet these standards to earn a call-up, reflecting the competitive depth of Nigeria’s player pool. The system also allows the coaching staff to assess emerging talents and monitor established stars competing across Europe’s top leagues.
