Nigeria’s national team head coach Eric Chelle has commended two standout players following an entertaining domestic league clash, after watching Shooting Stars secure a narrow 3–2 victory over Nasarawa United.
Chelle, who oversees the Super Eagles, attended the Nigeria Premier Football League encounter in person at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday, using the opportunity to assess talent as the season approaches its conclusion.
The match, part of matchday 36 in the Nigeria Premier Football League, saw Shooting Stars edge a five-goal contest, with Lucky Emmanuel delivering a decisive performance by scoring twice. Despite the forward’s brace, Chelle revealed his primary focus during the game was on another player, Ayobami Junior.
Speaking after the match, Chelle highlighted Junior’s quality on the ball but also pointed to aspects of his game that require further development.
“Lucky scored twice, but I wanted to watch Ayobami Junior,” Chelle told Shooting Stars media.
“He did well with the ball. He is very good.
“When without the ball, he needs to work harder to help the team. The players gave everything throughout the encounter.”
Chelle’s remarks suggest that while Junior has impressed technically, there are expectations for him to contribute more defensively and off the ball, an area often emphasised in modern football tactics.
The Super Eagles coach’s presence at the stadium underlines his ongoing effort to monitor domestic talent within Nigeria’s top-flight league. With international fixtures and squad selections always under consideration, performances in high-pressure league matches can provide players with opportunities to attract national attention.
Emmanuel’s two goals proved crucial in securing the victory for Shooting Stars, reinforcing his impact in front of goal. Meanwhile, Junior’s display appears to have left a strong impression on Chelle, despite the coach’s call for improvement in certain areas of his play.
The closely contested match reflected the competitive nature of the NPFL as the season nears its end, with teams battling for position and survival. Chelle’s observation that “the players gave everything throughout the encounter” highlights the intensity and commitment displayed by both sides during the fixture.
Chelle is expected to continue his scouting efforts, with plans to attend another league match on Tuesday between Ikorodu City and Wikki Tourists. His continued presence at domestic games signals a clear intent to identify and evaluate players who could potentially contribute to the national team setup.
As the NPFL season progresses toward its conclusion, such performances and assessments could play a significant role in shaping future Super Eagles selections.
