Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle began his NPFL tour in Ibadan as Shooting Stars defeated Nasarawa United 3-2 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in a key scouting stop ahead of the Unity Cup.
The 48-year-old was in attendance for the Nigeria Premier Football League clash as part of his nationwide mission to identify home-based players for inclusion in the Super Eagles squad.
Chelle had previously indicated his intention to turn to the NPFL in search of new talents, and his presence in Ibadan marks the official start of that process.
He was received at the stadium by Shooting Stars officials, including club chairman Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, alongside members of the management team and head coach Nurudeen Aweroro.
Eric Chelle with club chairman Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, head coach Nurudeen Aweroro alongside member of the management team. Photocredit: 3SC on X
On the pitch, the encounter delivered a competitive contest, with Shooting Stars edging Nasarawa United in a five-goal thriller to strengthen their position on the league table.
Qamar Adegoke, one of the players reportedly attracting attention ahead of the match, scored the decisive goal to seal victory for the Ibadan side.
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Eric Chelle is expected to continue his tour across the country, with plans to attend another NPFL fixture involving Ikorodu City and Wikki Tourists in Lagos.
The scouting exercise comes as Nigeria prepares for the Unity Cup in London, where the Super Eagles will face Jamaica, India and Zimbabwe in the invitational tournament.
Nigeria are scheduled to take on the Zimbabwe national football team in the semi-final on May 26, with Chelle expected to name his squad in the coming days.
