The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign under new head coach Eric Chelle.
The 46-year-old became the first non-Nigerian African coach to take charge of the three-time AFCON winners when he was appointed in January, a decision that caught many by surprise.
Chelle, a former Mali international, had an unremarkable playing career and had yet to secure a major managerial achievement before leading Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
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The team held their first training session in Kigali, Rwanda, on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in Chelle’s tenure. This session was the first since his appointment in January.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – JANUARY 13: Coach Augustine Eguavoen, Technical Director left with Chelle right during the unveiling of the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle at the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria. Photo by Nff
Notable players such as captain William Ekong, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Victor Boniface were all present, participating in various drills and rondos under the guidance of Chelle and his assistants.
Super Eagles first-ever training session under Eric Chelle. #PoojaInRwanda pic.twitter.com/UYDWL72KCY
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 18, 2025
The squad is nearly complete, with 22 out of the 23 players already in camp; only Alhassan Yusuf is expected to arrive by morning.
The Super Eagles are gearing up for their crucial match against Rwanda this Friday in Kigali, before returning home to play Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
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Nigeria currently sit winless in their group after four matches, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho. With only the top team securing automatic qualification for the World Cup.
