Fresh from leading Nigeria to another Unity Cup triumph, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle delivered an emotional message to supporters, apologizing for the national team’s recent disappointments while promising to continue fighting for success.
Speaking after Nigeria’s dominant 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final in London, the Franco-Malian tactician reflected on the expectations that come with managing one of Africa’s biggest football nations.
“I want to say once again sorry because we didn’t go to the World Cup,” Chelle said.
“Actually, this is my feeling. Sorry because we didn’t win the AFCON. I try to do my job.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle apologises to Nigerians after Unity Cup triumph and confirms Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and other key players will miss upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
“I want to say thank you for all the support that they put in that team.
“If I have some time, I will give everything for this national team, but football is football. Every day I try to improve like a man and like a coach.
“I would like to say thank you to this country.”
The comments came moments after the Super Eagles successfully defended the Unity Cup title, producing one of their most convincing performances under Chelle to defeat Jamaica and continue building momentum ahead of a busy international calendar.
The coach also responded defiantly when asked whether Nigeria could maintain the same fighting spirit against stronger opposition in upcoming friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
“No, definitely we go to make a fight, to make a war,” Chelle declared.
The remarks underline the mentality Chelle wants his players to adopt as the Super Eagles prepare for two significant European tests next month.
However, the coach will head into those fixtures without several key members of his squad.
The biggest absentee will be Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria’s leading striker was initially expected to be involved in the European tour but has now been granted permission to focus on resolving his club future.
The 27-year-old remains one of the most sought after forwards in world football following another prolific campaign and continues to be linked with a permanent move to Turkish champions Galatasaray.
READMORE: Nigeria make Unity Cup history after comfortable final triumph over Jamaica
With transfer negotiations intensifying, Osimhen will remain away from international duty as discussions over his next destination continue.
His absence removes one of Nigeria’s most important attacking weapons and a player Chelle has regularly relied upon since taking charge.
Lookman dribbling pass Antony. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Ademola Lookman will also miss the friendlies after being excused from international duty following an exhausting European season.
The newly crowned Premier League and Champions League winner has enjoyed another demanding campaign, prompting Atletico Madrid to request additional recovery time ahead of pre-season preparations.
Lookman’s withdrawal further reduces Nigeria’s attacking options ahead of the matches against Poland and Portugal.
Samuel Chukwueze for AC Milan. Photocredit: Getty image
Samuel Chukwueze has also been granted leave from the squad. the winger recently buried his mother in Nigeria and has been allowed time away from football to remain with his family during the difficult period.
Given the personal circumstances surrounding the bereavement, the Super Eagles coaching crew opted against including him for the upcoming fixtures.
Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf.
Midfield duo Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani will miss both matches after failing to secure the necessary travel documentation required for entry into the Schengen zone.
The setback is particularly frustrating for Yusuf, who was one of the standout performers during the Unity Cup campaign.
The New England Revolution midfielder produced a superb display in the final against Jamaica, scoring twice as Nigeria secured a comfortable 3-0 victory.
Tijani, meanwhile, misses another opportunity to continue rebuilding his international career after recently returning to the national team fold.
Femi Azeez of Nigeria. Photocredit: Imago
With several established names unavailable, Chelle has moved quickly to strengthen his squad by handing another opportunity to Millwall forward Femi Azeez.
The 24-year-old emerged as one of the breakout stars of the Unity Cup after scoring both goals in Nigeria’s semi-final victory over Zimbabwe.
His pace, direct running and eye for goal caught the attention of the coaching staff and supporters alike, earning him another chance to impress on the international stage.
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The absence of Osimhen, Lookman, Chukwueze, Yusuf and Tijani means greater responsibility is likely to fall on experienced figures such as Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.
Nigeria will face Poland on June 3 at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw before travelling to Portugal for a second friendly on June 10 at the Estadio Dr Magalhaes Pessoa in Leiria.
