2026 WCQ: He needs to improve – Chelle on why Super Eagles star may not play vs Zimbabwe
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has said that one of the NPFL stars in his squad, Papa Daniel, will have to improve to stand a chance of making his debut.
Chelle addressed the media on Monday evening ahead of the all important 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
The match is scheduled for 5:00 pm at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
One of the questions from the media was about the chances of midfielder Papa Daniel making his senior debut.
Daniel, who plays for Niger Tornadoes, was handed a first-ever call-up to the Super Eagles ahead of the qualifiers.
He might not get the chance to play with the likes of Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf and Joe Aribo ahead of him in the pecking order.
Apart from Daniel, another NPFL star Kayode Bankole, was an unused substitute against Rwanda.
“Your question is good but I don’t want to answer, you talk about one player,” Eric Chelle told reporters.
However, the Malian tactician, added, “If I can say something about Papa, I think he’s a good player but he needs to improve.”
Daniel has scored three goals and made two assists in 18 appearances in the NPFL this season.
2026 WCQ: He needs to improve – Chelle on why Super Eagles star may not play vs Zimbabwe
