Unity Cup: Eric Chelle eyes Shooting Stars’ ‘Bruno Fernandes’ for Super Eagles

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has been scouting Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) teams to identify the best local talents to integrate into his squad.

​With the Unity Cup approaching in June, the Franco-Malian tactician previously announced his intention to provide opportunities to fresh faces. Consequently, standouts from the NPFL and lesser-known players based in Europe are expected to receive call-ups.

​On Sunday, the former Mali head coach was at the Lekan Salami Stadium to observe the NPFL Week 36 encounter between Shooting Stars and Nasarawa United.

The match ended in a 3-2 victory for the home side, as Lucky Emmanuel netted a brace while Qamar Adegoke added a third, rendering goals from Jofrank Istifanus and Habibu Alakija mere consolations.

​In a post-match interview, Chelle revealed he was in Ibadan specifically to scout Shooting Stars’ playmaker, Abiodun Ayobami.

While he acknowledged the 27-year-old’s technical ability, he emphasized a need for improvement in his defensive contributions.

​”I wanted to watch Ayobami Junior, the number 10. But he needs to work,” Chelle told 3SC TV.

“When he has the ball, he is good. But when he doesn’t have the ball, he needs to work to win it back for the team.”

​Should Shooting Stars’ Abiodun Ayobami Be Invited To The Super Eagles?

​Abiodun Ayobami is currently one of the most creative midfielders in the NPFL. Popularly known as “Agba” among the Shooting Stars faithful, the 27-year-old currently leads the league’s assist charts with 13—the joint-highest tally in the league’s history. His creative output mirrors that of global “assist merchants” like Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne.

​Ayobami is intelligent in possession, possesses excellent close control, and offers a significant goal threat. He is also a set-piece specialist with a knack for executing the final pass.

The former Kwara United man moved to Tanzania last year, but after an unsuccessful stint abroad, he returned to Ibadan and has seamlessly rediscovered his top form.

​Ayobami would be a valuable addition to the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup. His ingenuity on the ball could provide Coach Chelle with a reliable offensive weapon, potentially unearthing a setup capable of dismantling any defense.

​However, Chelle’s reservations regarding Ayobami’s work rate may hinder his chances. As seen during AFCON 2025, Chelle demands high intensity and tireless running for the full 90 minutes. If the Super Eagles coach remains unconvinced by the talisman’s off-the-ball effort, he may ultimately look elsewhere.