Eric Chelle Challenges Ayobami Junior After Scouting NPFL Clash In Ibadan

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle delivered a frank verdict on Ayobami Junior after watching Shooting Stars defeat Nasarawa United 3-2 in Ibadan on Sunday.

Chelle attended the Matchday 36 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium as he began scouting players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ahead of the Unity Cup scheduled for May 26 to 30 in London.

Naija News reports that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will defend the title it won last year against India, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe in the invitational tournament, which is staged outside the FIFA international window.

After the NPFL clash in Ibadan, Chelle told 3SC Fans TV that his focus was firmly on the midfielder despite the result.

“Lucky scored two goals, but I wanted to watch Junior,” Chelle told 3SC Fans TV.

“So, he needs to work. When you don’t have the ball, you need to work. With the ball, he is very good, but when you don’t have the ball, you need to get the ball back for the team.”

Ayobami, who set up two goals to take his season assist tally to 13, was recently named the club’s Player of the Month for March. He has been among the standout performers alongside striker Qamar Adegoke, who has scored 10 goals this term, nine as a substitute.

Shooting Stars next travel to face Niger Tornadoes as the league season nears its end.

Chelle continued his scouting tour on Tuesday in Lagos, where he watched Ikorodu City take on Wikki Tourists at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The NPFL clash ended 3-1 in favour of the hosts.