Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has played down suggestions of a selection headache despite the fringe players impressing during the win over Uganda, insisting that training, rather than previous match displays, will determine who earns a place in his starting lineup in Monday's Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash with Mozambique. 

In the final group game against the Cranes, Chelle made several changes, handing Afcon debuts to four players Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi and Salim Lawal.

Fringe players such as Paul Onuachu, Francis Uzoho, Raphael Onyedika, and Chidozie Awaziem were also given the chance to stake their claim for a starting position.

When asked at the pre-match press conference whether their performances had complicated selection decisions ahead of the match against the Mambas, Chelle insisted that no player is guaranteed a spot based solely on their last outing.

"We analysed the three games in the group stage, but the training session is the most important. There is no question or answer about whether one of the players who played the last game well will have to play the next game," Chelle told reporters. 

The Malian tactician stressed that competition within the squad remains open, with players' performances in training key to his decision-making.

"The training session is more important for me because this is a question about the group. When a player has a good training session, he has a chance to play.

"This is why every time I say we are focused on our game project and on our training session. I hope to have a good game tomorrow."

Of the 28 players named in Nigeria's Afcon squad, 11 featured in the 3-2 victory over the Mambas when the two sides last met at international level in October 2023.

They are Francis Uzoho, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Moses Simon, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Calvin Bassey, Chidozie Awaziem, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel