Chelle locates potential Super Eagles players during Pillars, Rangers match
At Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match held on Sunday March 2, 2025, between Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle was present to scout for potential players for the national team.
The match was particularly significant as it featured two of the league’s top teams, and Chelle’s attendance added an extra layer of excitement to the encounter.
The game began with Enugu Rangers taking an early lead in the 33rd minute when Bashir Usman converted a penalty after a foul was committed on Godwin Obaje.
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However, just before halftime, Kano Pillars equalized through their captain Rabiu Ali “Pele,” who also scored from the penalty spot. This marked Ali’s 11th goal of the season and his impressive tally of 133 goals in NPFL history. The second half saw Jerry Alex score for Kano Pillars in the 60th minute, securing a comeback victory with a final score of 2-1.
Chelle’s observations
During a halftime interview, Coach Chelle expressed his enjoyment of watching high-level football and noted that he was particularly interested in identifying standout players from both teams.
He remarked on the contrasting styles of play: one team focused on possession while the other relied on quick transitions. Chelle specifically mentioned that he had seen “two or three good players” during this match who caught his attention and could be considered for future national team selections.
Player highlights
Among those highlighted by Chelle was Ahmed Musa, who played a crucial role in leading Kano Pillars to victory. Musa has been an influential figure in Nigerian football and is known for his extensive experience at both club and international levels. His performance in this match further solidified his position as a key player for potential inclusion in upcoming fixtures.
The victory propelled Kano Pillars into fourth place in the NPFL standings with 42 points from 27 matches, while Enugu Rangers dropped to fifth place with 41 points.
This result not only showcased individual talents but also emphasized the competitive nature of the league as teams vie for better positions ahead of critical matches.
