Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has assured fans that new young talents will be integrated into the Super Eagles under head coach Éric Chelle. Speaking on the team’s progress since Chelle’s appointment in January 2025, Gusau highlighted Nigeria’s strong attacking display and third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as signs of improvement.
The Super Eagles were the tournament’s highest scorers with 14 goals and remained unbeaten in regular time throughout the competition. Gusau noted that friendly matches in upcoming windows would provide opportunities for Chelle to test emerging players, citing Salim Fago and Tochukwu Nnadi as examples of young talents already blooded during the AFCON.
Key Points:
The integration of young players is essential for long-term squad renewal and sustained competitiveness.
It ensures continuity and reduces over-reliance on ageing stars ahead of future World Cup and AFCON campaigns.
Emerging talents gain invaluable international exposure, while established players face healthy competition for places.
The NFF’s public commitment signals confidence in Chelle’s youth development philosophy.
The timing, post-AFCON and ahead of World Cup qualifiers, creates an ideal window for squad experimentation.
The balance between competitive results and youth integration will define Chelle’s tenure and the Super Eagles’ trajectory toward the 2026 World Cup and beyond.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, NFF
