'You have Osimhen, Boniface, Lookman, Uche, Arokodare' - Chelle tells Sikiru Alimi to raise his game

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has opened up about Sikiru Alimi’s prospects in the national team, noting that the forward must prove himself amid intense competition for attacking positions.

Alimi, who impressed in the Unity Cup game against Ghana, has caught the attention of Nigerian football fans.

However, Chelle emphasized that breaking into the current Super Eagles setup won’t be easy.

"If you want look an example, you take a guy like Alimi,” Chelle told Austin Okon Akpan in London.

"He played well against Ghana, but the reality at his post, you have Osimhen, you have Boniface, Lookman, now Uche, Tolu (Arokodare)."

The coach highlighted that the depth of talent in the attacking line means every player must earn their place through consistent performance and commitment.

"So he need to work hard, you know," Chelle continued. "It’s the same on the winger, and the reality is the same in the midfield, and the reality is the same on defense."

While acknowledging that Alimi and other emerging talents have potential, Chelle made it clear that merit would determine selection.

"I can give them a chance, but the reality is they need to work hard. So if they want to work hard, I can give them a lot of chance."

With prolific forwards like Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Tolu Arokodare currently ahead in the pecking order, Chelle’s message is a clear call for perseverance and determination.

Alimi’s performance against Ghana may have opened the door, but according to Chelle, maintaining a spot requires more than just one good outing—it demands consistent hard work and readiness to compete at the highest level.

Wale Adejumo

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