Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has admitted that identifying new talents for the national teams is an important part of his job.
For Nigeria’s most recent match, the Malian tactician handed debuts to Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena and LASK forward Moses Usor, and both made an immediate impact by getting on the scoresheet as the Super Eagles came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday evening.
The third newcomer, Isaac James, was an unused substitute, with the Malian tactician opting for the more experienced Bruno Onyemaechi at left-back.
In addition to managing the Super Eagles, Chelle is now also in charge of Nigeria’s Olympic national team.
Asked what motivates him to scout Nigerian players around the globe like Benjamin Fredrick, Olakunle Olusegun and Abdullahi Bewene, who are based in England, Russia and Czech Republic respectively, Chelle said it's part of his responsibility as coach of the national team.
"This is a part of my job, this is in my contract so I have to do it. When I speak with my players I tell them every time the love I have for this national team," Chelle said at the post-match press conference after Nigeria's win over Madagascar.
"There's a lot of good generation in the country and I have to continue, even if I stay one year, two years, three years. I cannot leave and do nothing."
Chelle acknowledged that the number of Nigerian players based around the world makes the scouting process challenging.
He concluded by saying: "I try to do my job, I try to scout all the players that this country has. It is very difficult because we have maybe 800 players in the world, so sometimes it is difficult for me to find a good player.
"And now I have the U23 team so I have to find some good players for that national team, so I just do my job."
Chelle has also handed debuts to Ryan Alebiosu, Tochukwu Nnadi , Philip Otele, Emmanuel Fernandez, Femi Azeez, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare and Felix Agu, among others.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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