Eric Chelle prepares the Super Eagles for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe by inviting a mix of veteran and new players, aiming to enhance team competitiveness and evaluate options ahead of the matches. Analysts and fans express optimism regarding the team’s prospects despite current group standings.
In anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, Eric Chelle, the coach of the Super Eagles, is strategically preparing the Nigerian national football team for upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. He has called upon fit and in-form players, showcasing a blend of established talents and fresh faces in his recent provisional squad.
Notable players invited include Jerome Akor from Sevilla, Cyriel Dessers of Rangers, Nathan Tella from Bayer Leverkusen, and defender Igoh Ogbu from Slavia Prague. Ogbu has been brought in to replace the injured Semi Ajayi, while retaining core members of the squad that qualified Nigeria for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The provisional list includes goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye; defenders William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and others; midfielders Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika; and forwards such as Victor Osimhen and Ahmad Musa. Additionally, home-based goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and defender Jordan Torunarigha have also been included.
Sport analyst Philip Adefio commended Chelle’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining experienced players while incorporating new talent to enhance team competitiveness. He believes this approach will foster a healthy rivalry among players, improving their performance.
Football fan Friday Erhabor echoed these sentiments, asserting that inviting new players revitalizes the squad’s competitive spirit, which had waned as some players took their selections for granted. He expressed optimism that, despite current challenges, the Super Eagles are capable of securing qualification.
Chima Nwosu remarked on the size of the 39-man provisional list, viewing it as an opportunity for the coach to thoroughly assess his options leading to the crucial matches. He asserted that while the final squad’s composition remains pending, the competition introduced by including a larger pool of players will positively influence performance outcomes.
The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C and will face Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali, followed by a match against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 24. This series will mark Eric Chelle’s debut as the head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team.
Eric Chelle’s strategic preparations for the Super Eagles ahead of the matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe highlight an emphasis on competitiveness through player selection. By blending experienced players with fresh talent, Chelle aims to build a robust team that is well-prepared for the forthcoming challenges. Insights from analysts and fans underscore a positive outlook for Nigeria’s qualification prospects despite current standings. The matches ahead represent a crucial step in both Chelle’s coaching career and the team’s journey toward the World Cup.
Original Source: businessday.ng
