2026 Qualifiers: Coach Chelle Delays Super Eagles Call-Up List Ahead of Gabon Showdown
STORY:WRITTEN BY UZUH RITA NOVEMBER 6,2025
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is still weighing his options as he prepares the squad list for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Gabon.
The match is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, in exactly one week, yet the official invitation list is still being awaited.
Despite criticism over his selection choices and game strategies in earlier fixtures, Chelle has steadily improved the team’s performance. Under his watch, Nigeria has secured four wins and two draws from six qualifying games, earning 14 out of a possible 18 points.
The Malian tactician recently stated that he is not planning to bring new faces into the squad, insisting the current group — including stars like Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman — remains his strongest option.
Chelle also shared details on how he monitors players globally before making his selection.
“We have a player-tracking system in place. Every week, we assess about 80 Nigerian players — that’s roughly 80 games we go through,” he explained.
“Selection depends on a few factors: Are you getting game time at your club? Are you performing well? And do you fit into our tactical system? Sometimes, the tactical requirement outweighs everything else,” he added.
