By ADERONKE OJO

Austin Eguavoen, Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), says the forthcoming Unity Cup invitational tournament will provide an opportunity for Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle to assess new players ahead of future competitions.

Eguavoen said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said the tournament, alongside the international friendly matches lined up for the team, would enable the technical crew to evaluate fresh options ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

“It is an opportunity for the coach to see some new players.

“I will not necessarily say young players, but new players. It gives him the chance to see who can come into the team when the Nations Cup qualifiers begin properly.

“It is a good avenue for him to assess them,” he said.

NAN reports that Chelle recently released a 27-man squad for the Unity Cup tournament scheduled to hold from May 26 to May 30 at The Valley Stadium, home ground of Charlton Athletic Football Club in London.

Among the invited players are captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Bruno Onyemaechi and Igoh Ogbu, as well as forwards Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Terem Moffi.

NAN also reports that the Super Eagles are expected to play international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in Europe next month.

According to Eguavoen, the matches will help the coaching crew evaluate the players and strengthen the squad ahead of future international engagements.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles are preparing for the qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON tournament to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. (NAN)