Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Austin Eguavoen, has said the forthcoming Unity Cup invitational tournament will provide an opportunity for Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle to assess new players ahead of future competitions.
Eguavoen stated this during an interview on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, the tournament, alongside the international friendly matches lined up for the Super Eagles, will enable the technical crew to evaluate fresh options ahead of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“It is an opportunity for the coach to see some new players.
“I will not necessarily say young players, but new players. It gives him the chance to see who can come into the team when the Nations Cup qualifiers begin properly.
“It is a good avenue for him to assess them,” Eguavoen said.
Chelle recently unveiled a 27-man squad for the Unity Cup tournament scheduled to take place from May 26 to May 30 at The Valley Stadium, the home ground of Charlton Athletic F.C. in London.
Players invited for the tournament include captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Igoh Ogbu, as well as forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi.
The Super Eagles are also expected to play international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in Europe next month.
Eguavoen noted that the matches would help the coaching crew further evaluate the players and strengthen the squad ahead of future international engagements.
The Super Eagles are currently preparing for the qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
