Nigerian Super Eagles Prepare for World Cup Qualifiers in Rwanda

The Nigerian Super Eagles have started training in Rwanda for World Cup qualifiers. Coach Eric Chelle has named 23 players, including Victor Osimhen, for matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Nigeria is currently in fifth place, needing positive results under Chelle’s management.

The Nigerian Super Eagles have begun assembling at their training camp in Kigali, Rwanda, in preparation for upcoming World Cup qualifiers for the 2026 tournament. From Tuesday, March 11, Coach Eric Chelle announced the selection of 23 players for the matches. Nigeria is set to compete in two matches this round: the first against Rwanda on the upcoming Friday in Kigali, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe four days later.

The player assembly commenced on Sunday, with notable players including star forward Victor Osimhen, who expressed to BBC his determination to help Nigeria reach the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Coach Eric Chelle and the rest of the team officials are also in Rwanda, aiming to commence their preparations on Tuesday. The players who arrived at the camp by Monday afternoon include Amas Obasogie, Tolu Arokodare, Kayode Bankole, Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Papa Daniel.

Currently, Nigeria sits in fifth place, trailing Rwanda by four points. As the new coach, Eric Chelle is under pressure to deliver positive results in his role as the third manager leading the Eagles through the qualifying matches since November 2023. Previous coaches Jose Peseiro, who secured two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and Finidi George, who suffered a defeat against Benin alongside a draw with South Africa, have paved the way for Chelle. Additionally, Chelle has replaced injured Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nathan Tella with Joshua Torunarigha from the Gent club in Belgium.

In summary, the Nigerian Super Eagles are actively preparing for their World Cup qualifying matches in Rwanda, under the new leadership of Coach Eric Chelle. The team comprises 23 selected players, aiming to secure vital points against both Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Chelle’s immediate challenge lies in achieving favorable outcomes to ensure the team’s progression to the 2026 World Cup, especially in light of previous coaching performances.

Original Source: www.bbc.com