Will dreadlocks-wearing midfielder make debut v Warriors? Eric Chelle says he needs to improve

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle faced the media on Monday evening, on the eve of his side's crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe's Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, and he was asked about the chances of dreadlocks-wearing midfielder Papa Daniel making his senior debut.

The Nigeria Tornadoes central midfielder was handed a first-ever call-up to the Super Eagles after he was extensively scouted by Nigeria Football Federation's Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen and Eric Chelle.

With the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf and Joe Aribo ahead of Daniel in the pecking order of central midfielders, there was no debut for the Niger Tornadoes man during the win against Rwanda last Friday.

Apart from Daniel, another Nigeria Premier Football League star Kayode Bankole was an unused substitute against the Wasps.

Chelle chose to remain tight-lipped when asked about the chances of Papa Daniel making his senior debut in the high-stakes encounter against Zimbabwe.

"Your question is good but I don't want to answer, you talk about one player," Eric Chelle told reporters.

However, the Malian football tactician offered a brief assessment of Daniel and indicated that he may need more time and development before earning his first senior cap. 

"If I can say something about Papa (Daniel), I think he's a good player but he needs to improve."

Papa Daniel is credited with three goals and two assists in eighteen appearances in this season's NPFL. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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