The Super Eagles have finally hit full strength in Kigali as Éric Chelle leads his first full training session ahead of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Sadiq Umar’s arrival on Tuesday and Alhassan Yusuf’s arrival early Wednesday morning from the United States completed the squad, setting the stage for a defining showdown for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes.
The Build-Up: A Full Camp at Last
Nigeria’s preparations began with an early batch of arrivals, including Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyemaechi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Kayode Bankole, Amas Obasogie, and Tolu Arokodare, who hit the gym on Monday night.
By Tuesday, the camp swelled with Moses Simon, Victor Boniface, Raphael Onyedika, Jordan Torunarigha, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Igoh Ogbu joining the squad. Later that morning, Captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Joseph Aribo, and Ola Aina checked in, ensuring Chelle had his full arsenal for training.
Chelle’s Moment of Truth
With Nigeria winless in four games and stranded in fifth place with just three points, the stakes could not be higher. The Super Eagles risk missing back-to-back World Cups, and the pressure on Coach Chelle is immense.
The French-Malian tactician led a high-intensity training session on Wednesday, March 19, marking his second session since he resumed duty with the boys, with the entire squad fit and raring to go.
Super Eagles on the Brink – Will Chelle Deliver?
Nigeria’s World Cup destiny hangs in the balance. Can Chelle inspire a Super Eagles resurgence, or will the ghosts of Qatar 2022 haunt Nigeria once more?
All the best to the team
Nice article
Let’s win and qualify
Come on super eagles 🦅
Wishing the team all the best ahead of their game away at Rwanda. It’s an uphill task for Eric Chelle, but I think a win away is possible.
We keep our fingers crossed to see what Chélle got to offer
Win or burst situation
The team is well packed and can win both games to boost the hopes of qualifying for the world cup
Nigeria shall qualify
All d best team