Coach Eric Chelle is preparing the Super Eagles for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe by inviting fit and in-form players, including newcomers Jerome Akor and Cyriel Dessers. Retaining core players from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Chelle aims to enhance team competitiveness. The provisional squad consists of 39 players, and the positive feedback from analysts and fans highlights the importance of this strategy. Nigeria seeks to improve its ranking in Group C, facing Rwanda on March 21.
Eric Chelle, coach of the Super Eagles, is intensifying preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Committed to securing Nigeria’s position in the tournament, Chelle has drawn up a provisional list that includes a selection of fit and in-form players to enhance the team’s performance.
Among the new faces in the lineup are Jerome Akor, Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella, and Igoh Ogbu, who has been called up to replace the injured Semi Ajayi. The squad retains key players responsible for Nigeria’s qualification to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The invited players consist of:
– Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye
– Defenders: William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Zaidu Sanusi
– Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, and Anthony Dennis
– Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Ahmed Musa, Chrisantus Uche, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Tolu Arokodare, and Sadiq Umar.
In addition, home-based goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and defender Jordan Torunarigha have also been drafted into the squad. Sports analyst Philip Adefio commends Chelle’s strategy, noting that maintaining a mix of veteran and new players fosters competitiveness within the team.
Adefio believes that a strong core is essential for navigating the challenges ahead. He stated, “Bringing in players such as Igoh Ogbu, Cyriel Dessers, who is not actually new to the team, and other new invitees is a good move. This will enthrone competitiveness in the team, and players will try not to lose their slot to others.”
Football fan Friday Erhabor echoed Adefio’s sentiments, suggesting that introducing newer players revitalizes the squad. He noted, “That will make the squad more competitive. Some players were almost seeing their invitations as a right… I believe the Super Eagles will find their way to qualification. Our best comes out when it appears we are down.”
Chima Nwosu observed the 39-man provisional list as extensive but valuable for assessing team dynamics. He emphasized the significance of having a broad player pool for evaluation: “His final 23-man list is needed for proper prediction of our chances, but the competition he is bringing to camp is a good strategy.”
Nigeria currently ranks fifth in Group C, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin Republic, and Lesotho. The Super Eagles will compete against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, marking the debut match for Eric Chelle as the team’s head coach. Subsequently, they will face Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo four days later.
In summary, Coach Eric Chelle is implementing a strategic mix of seasoned and fresh talent for the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. This approach aims to foster competitiveness and commitment among players, which is crucial given Nigeria’s current standing in the group. While the efficacy of this strategy remains to be seen, it represents a proactive measure towards enhancing the team’s performance and securing qualification for the upcoming World Cup.
Original Source: businessday.ng
