Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to return to Nigeria to assess home-based players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as he prepares for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Following a European tour, where he met with key Super Eagles internationals, Chelle is now turning his attention to domestic talent.
According to SCORENigeria, he and his coaching staff will arrive in Nigeria within the next two weeks to continue their preparations.
“They will meet with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to discuss their plans for the qualifiers,” an official source confirmed. “They will also attend NPFL matches in search of additional players who could strengthen the squad.”
Super Eagles Face Uphill Battle in Qualification Race
Nigeria currently sits fifth in Group C of the African qualifiers, making the upcoming matches critical. The Super Eagles struggled in their opening fixtures, drawing 1-1 against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before falling to Benin Republic—a poor start that has left them under pressure to turn their campaign around.
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Since his appointment last month, Chelle has already held discussions with key players abroad, including Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Moses Simon, to outline his tactical approach.
NPFL Stars on Chelle’s Radar
With Chelle now focused on local talent, several NPFL players have been in impressive form and could earn a spot in the squad:
- Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars) – A clinical striker known for his composure in front of goal. His movement and finishing ability make him a strong contender for the national team.
- Victor Collins (Nasarawa United) – A solid and experienced defender who excels in aerial duels and one-on-one situations. His leadership at the back has been key for his club.
- Papa Daniel (Niger Tornadoes) – A dynamic midfielder with strong ball control and passing ability, capable of dictating play in the middle of the park.
- Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United) – The NPFL’s leading scorer with 13 goals this season. His ability to find the net consistently makes him an exciting prospect.
- Tijani Kabiru & Godwin Odibo (Shooting Stars) – Two key defenders in the best defensive unit in the NPFL. Their ability to read the game and intercept opposition attacks has made them standout performers.
- Mustapha Lawal (Shooting Stars) – A reliable goalkeeper with strong reflexes and shot-stopping ability. His performances have played a crucial role in his club’s defensive success-10 clean sheets in 15 NPFL games.
Chelle is expected to finalize his squad list after evaluating NPFL talents, with Nigeria set to face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.
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With only group winners securing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Chelle’s first matches in charge will be decisive.
