The attack of the senior national team of Nigeria at the upcoming Unity Cup friendly tournament will be led by the trio of on loan Nice forward Terem Moffi, Plymouth striker Owen Oseni and Rafiu Durosinmi from relegated Serie A side Pisa.
We can exclusively reveal that despite huge pressure, Chelle passed on the option of handing a recall to the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho or Tolu Arokodare to settle for the above mentioned trio.
Moffi is expected to be his number one in attack in the absence of Victor Osimhen, after missing out on the squad to the AFCON due to inactivity caused by his decision to leave Nice after he was attacked by fans of the club.
He recently won the Portuguese league title with his loan side FC Porto, although he is not certain to bag a new deal and will return to Nice before a decision will be taken.
Oseni of English third division side is the head scratcher, but Chelle is said to be sufficiently impressed with what he has seen of him, aside the fact that he has ten goals.
His ability to run the channel, press high up the pitch and his aggressive approach won the coach over. Durosinmi has long been on Chelle’s radar hence his inclusion despite his struggle at Pisa since his move in January.
Durosinmi made the Super Eagles provisional list for the AFCON, but missed out on the final list. Femi Azeez of Millwall complete the list of forwards.
Nigeria will begin the defence of the title they won last year against Zimbabwe, where a win will see them face the winner of the other tie in the tournament which is between India and Jamaica.
Chelle who said he will use the tournament to try new players and also give fringe players a chance including those from the Nigeria Premier Football League, has already made up his mind on his key options in attack.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
