Chelle to Scout Homegrown Talents at President Federation Cup Final Ahead of CHAN 2024
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle is set to attend the President Federation Cup final on June 28, as part of his continued effort to identify standout players from Nigeria’s domestic league ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The highly anticipated final will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, where Kwara United will battle Abakaliki FC for the prestigious title. While fans will be watching to see who lifts the trophy, Chelle will be watching for something more — raw, local talent worthy of national call-up.
Unlike other continental tournaments, CHAN is exclusively reserved for players who are active in their country’s domestic leagues.
As such, Chelle’s scouting mission is vital in assembling a competitive team for the tournament, which Nigeria is hoping to win for the first time.
Chelle has already begun integrating local players into the national setup. During the recent Unity Cup in London, the coach included 10 home-based players in the Super Eagles squad, signaling his readiness to give the local league a greater role in national team planning.
“Chelle’s presence at the final is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen the CHAN team with players who prove themselves in tough local competitions,” a source close to the coaching crew revealed.
The 2024 edition of CHAN, postponed to August 2025, will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Nigeria has been drawn into Group D, alongside Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan — a challenging group that demands tactical flexibility and squad depth.
The Federation Cup final offers a perfect platform to spot such potential, with scouts and team analysts also expected to be in the stands.
Nigeria’s domestic league has often produced some of the continent’s finest footballers, but many have lacked opportunities to break into the national scene early. Chelle’s involvement in the Federation Cup final marks a significant shift in that narrative, potentially opening new doors for players outside the more familiar European spotlight.
“This is about creating pathways,” said a Lagos FA official. “When players know the national coach is watching, it motivates them to raise their game — and that’s good for the league.”
Match Details
• Fixture: President Federation Cup Final
• Date: Friday, June 28, 2025
• Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos
• Teams: Kwara United vs. Abakaliki FC
• Special Guest: Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle
As the countdown to CHAN 2024 continues, Nigeria’s preparations appear focused, deliberate, and inclusive. With Eric Chelle committed to scouting grassroots talent, the Federation Cup final could serve as a turning point for several aspiring players — a single performance away from national recognition.
For some, June 28 may not just be the day they compete for a trophy — it could be the day they earn
