Nigeria’s new head coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Sékou Chelle, has confirmed he will attend the finals of the 2025 President’s Federation Cup between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC. His presence offers a prime opportunity for standout performers to stake a claim for national team selection.
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Chelle, who was appointed in January 2025 after guiding Mali to their first AFCON quarter‑final in 2023, is keen to scout home‑based talent ahead of crucial World Cup and AFCON qualifiers later this year. Watching the PFC finalists could help him assess emerging stars outside of Europe.
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Having taken charge of the Super Eagles with his tenure beginning at the 2024 CHAN tournament for home‑based players he remains focused on World Cup qualification, urging consistency following a mixed start in qualifying matches.
With Nigeria drawn Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania for AFCON 2025, Chelle emphasises that securing World Cup qualification must remain the immediate priority.
Editorial
We believe Coach Chelle’s decision to attend the President’s Cup final signals a refreshingly inclusive approach. In past years, club loyalty and foreign‑based bias sometimes clouded player selection. Now, by watching Kwara United and Abakaliki FC, he acknowledges that excellence can emerge from every level of Nigerian football.
We see this as a turning point. First, it opens doors for talented players grounded in domestic competition, reminding them that strong performances on local soil can lead to Super Eagles recognition. Second, it reinforces community pride both sets of fans will feel directly involved in national team development.
As a squad rebuilds under Chelle’s leadership one that favours aggressive, attacking football and domestic roots it’s vital to scout widely and reward merit. Later this year, as the Super Eagles prepare for World Cup finals qualifiers and the AFCON, we stand by this inclusive stance: talent must be recognised wherever it plays period.
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Did You Know?
The President’s Federation Cup was first held in 1945, making it Nigeria’s oldest football tournament.
Kwara United last reached the Federation Cup final in 1976, when the team was still known as Alyufsalam Rocks.
Abakaliki FC, competing in the second-tier Nigeria National League, is the first Ebonyi State team ever to make the final.
Éric Chelle earned five caps playing for Mali before switching to management.
As coach of Mali, Chelle led them to their first AFCON quarter‑final since 2019 during the 2023 tournament.