Super Eagles B head coach, Sekou Eric Chelle, has defended the high number of Remo Stars players included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off today (Saturday) in Tanzania, with Uganda and Kenya serving as co-hosts.
Speaking to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) media team, Chelle explained that his selection was based purely on merit and tactical suitability, not favoritism due to his assistant coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, being the head coach of Remo Stars FC.
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“Who won the league last season first? If you look at Morocco, many players come from Raja or Wydad. In Angola, the best players are selected from the top team. In South Africa, you see eight players from Mamelodi Sundowns. This is not because my assistant coach is from Remo Stars—no, no.” Sekou Chelle told NFF TV.
The French Malian coach elaborates on his philosophy as the basic criteria for player selection in his team.
Eric Chelle said: “My philosophy is to keep the ball and apply high pressure when we don’t have it. I need players who can fit into that style. There are many good players in the league, but my job is to select those who match my game plan.”
The coach added that the squad is still a work in progress, especially following recent challenges, including missing key players during the qualifiers.
The Remo Stars contingent in the 24-man squad includes team captain Nduka Junior, Ismail Sodiq, Lekan Adebayo, Akanni Qudus, Sikiru Alimi, Hadi Haruna, Alex Oyowah, Michael Tochukwu, and Godwin Obaje.
The team played two international friendly matches against Zanzibar ahead of the competition in Zanzibar, which ended in 0-0 and 2-2, as they intensify preparations towards winning the competition.
Nigeria’s CHAN team, which previously finished as runners-up in 2018 and third in 2014, will begin their quest for a maiden title against defending champions Senegal on Tuesday.
