Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained why he invited Czech-based players Mubarak Suleiman and Abdullahi Bewene, alongside former Golden Eaglets captain Samson Tijani, to the national team.
Chelle spoke during his pre-match press conference ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Tanzania on Friday.
The coach said the players deserved their places in the squad, stressing that the national team remained open to every qualified player.
He explained that their inclusion was based on merit and their determination to prove themselves at the international level.
“Like I said, the national team is not closed to anybody. If they [Suleiman, Bewene and Tijani] are here, it is because they deserve to be here,” Chelle said.
He added that the players were highly motivated and eager to demonstrate their abilities to Nigerians.
“They want to show it to everybody, what they can do. They are very motivated,” he stated.
Nigeria will face Tanzania in the AFCON qualifier, with kick-off scheduled for 5 pm Nigerian time.