Eric Chelle Adds NPFL Star, Ex Flying Eagle To Super Eagles Unity Cup Squad
Eric Chelle Adds NPFL Star, Ex-Flying Eagle to Super Eagles Unity Cup Squad Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has expanded Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament, adding a Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL standout and a former Flying Eagles player to strengthen the team ahead of the competition in London.The late additions underline Chelle’s commitment to blending home-based talent with foreign-based professionals as he continues rebuilding the national team ahead of future international assignments.
The two players added to the squad are
- Former Flying Eagles winger Yira Sor
- Shooting Stars midfielder Tijani Al Ameen
Yira Sor, who currently plays in Belgium with KRC Genk, was drafted in to reinforce Nigeria’s attacking options following the absence of Sweden-based youngster Zadok Yohanna.Meanwhile, Tijani Al Ameen’s invitation further boosts NPFL representation within the Super Eagles setup, reflecting Chelle’s emphasis on scouting local league talent.The inclusion of Al Ameen increases the number of home-based players in the squad, reinforcing Chelle’s previously stated objective of giving more opportunities to standout performers from the NPFL. Reports indicate that the coach has spent recent months attending league matches across Nigeria in search of emerging talents capable of competing at international level. Several domestic league players had already been included in the initial Unity Cup squad, including stars from
- Ikorodu City
- Remo Stars
- Shooting Stars
- Other NPFL clubs
The Unity Cup is expected to provide Chelle with an opportunity to assess:
- New players
- Fringe internationals
- Domestic league stars
- Foreign-based prospects eligible for Nigeria
Analysts say the tournament will help shape Nigeria’s squad depth ahead of
- AFCON 2027 qualifiers
- Future World Cup qualification matches
- International friendlies later in the year
The current squad reflects a deliberate mix of
- Established internationals
- Young prospects
- Home-based talents
- Returning players seeking to cement places in the team
Former Super Eagles midfielder Dimeji Lawal praised the balance of the squad, particularly the increased inclusion of NPFL players, saying it could strengthen morale within the domestic league. The additions also increase competition for places within the Super Eagles as Chelle continues shaping his preferred squad structure. Observers say the coach is focusing heavily on
- Tactical flexibility
- Squad depth
- Physical intensity
- Long-term team rebuilding
The Unity Cup is therefore expected to play a major role in determining which players remain part of Nigeria’s plans going forward.Eric Chelle’s decision to add Yira Sor and Tijani Al Ameen to the Unity Cup squad highlights his ongoing effort to blend emerging talent with established players while expanding opportunities for NPFL stars. As preparations continue, the tournament is expected to provide an important platform for players hoping to secure long-term places in the Super Eagles setup ahead of major international competitions.
