Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained his decision to include two players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in his maiden call-up for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Malian tactician selected Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel in his 23-man squad for matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Prior to inviting the duo, the 47-year-old visited some NPFL venues to watch league games.

Shedding light on his decision to call up Bankole and Papa Daniel, Chelle stated that the duo would be valuable additions to the team in the future.

“My job is to assess all Nigerian players globally and analyze them because this is the World Cup qualifiers. After that, there is CHAN and also AFCON. So, we need to work together,” Chelle said ahead of Super Eagles clash against Zimbabwe.

“I believe there are many players who can contribute and bring something to our national team. However, they need to work hard and understand how I want my team to play.

“This is why I have selected two players [Daniel and Bankole from the NPFL], and I believe they are good and will be very important for the future.

“However, we need to work with them now. We are preparing for the future starting today. As I mentioned in my first press conference, time is the enemy of every coach.”

Nigeria will take on Zimbabwe in their matchday six encounter of the qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, later today (Tuesday, March 25).

WDN