Chelle picks first team for Portugal June friendly, dashing NPFL players' Ronaldo hopes
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has confirmed he will select only his first-team players for the June friendlies against Poland and Portugal, effectively ending Nigeria Premier Football League players' hopes of facing Cristiano Ronaldo. Chelle stated these matches are crucial for improving Nigeria's global FIFA ranking after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and sentiment will not influence his selection.
The Portugal game was seen as a rare opportunity for home-based players to test themselves against one of football's biggest names, but Chelle's decision means NPFL stars must wait for another chance. Instead, he has pointed to the Unity Cup in London (May 26-30) as the platform for domestic players and new invitees to stake their claim, with Jamaica, India and Zimbabwe also participating.
Chelle emphasized he will monitor NPFL games until season ends and consider top domestic performers, while also scouting Europe for Nigerian-descent players. Performances at the Unity Cup and in the closing stages of the league could still influence future national team call-ups, keeping a pathway open despite the Portugal snub.