Table of Contents
- Current Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers squad has players from local teams
- Chelle included Kayode Bankole and Papa Daniel in his squad of 23 players for the clash against Rwanda and Zimbabwe
- Bankole is a goalkeeper for Remo Stars while Daniel plays as a midfielder for Niger Tornadoes
Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers squad named by coach Eric Chelle pulled a big surprise with the inclusion of local players.
Chelle included Kayode Bankole and Papa Daniel in his squad of 23 players for the clash against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Bankole is a goalkeeper for Remo Stars while Daniel plays as a midfielder for Niger Tornadoes. Both local teams are under Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
It was a departure from what other coaches have done in the past while selecting their teams for the World Cup or the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Unique Super Eagles World Cup Qualifiers Squad
Speaking about the selection of Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers squad, Chelle said he had special moments watching local teams play.
This inspired him to add some of the players from these teams to his squad noting that they are a great addition in future. He told the press that he has AFCON and CHAN in mind with his new 23-man squad.
Chelle expressed confidence in his players learning from each other. He said local teams have fine players who only need a bigger platform such as playing in the national team to realise their full potential.
Super Eagles squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Coach Eric Chelle named his 23-man squad facing off with Zimbabwe on Tuesday night. Photo/Sports247NG
However, he warned that ‘they needed to work hard to fit in his team and his style of play.’ Bringing Bankole and Daniel board aligns with Super Eagles’ long-term vision of dominating in continental tournaments according to Chelle.
“Our work is to prepare them for the future,” he said.
The Malian defended Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers squad stating that this is the team lead Nigeria to better football days.
He insists that his biggest lesson as a football coach is the value of time which includes getting the best players when an opportunity presents itself.
Nigeria Vs Rwanda World Cup Qualifiers
Victor Osimhen led the Super Eagles to a 2-0 victory against Rwanda on March 22 in Kigali. Chelle led an offensive in Rwanda with Nigeria dominating the match.
Osimhen turned up the pressure with his first goal following a perfect long kick by Ademola Lookman in the 11th minute. Feeling the pressure already, Rwanda frantically tried to equalize but to no avail.
The Super Eagles once again claimed a second goal in the 48th minute courtesy of Osimhen. Rwanda’s effort to break the victory in the second half ended in futility.
Chelle and the team flew back to Lagos smiling having passed their first test in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers tackle.
What to Expect in Nigeria vs Zimbabwe Today
New Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle. He is upbeat about raising the Nigerian national team profile in the ongoing World Cup qualifier matches. Photo/Goal Getter Media
“It won’t be easy,” Chelle shockingly admitted. Nigeria will host Zimbabwe on Tuesday at Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Zimbabwe is eager for a win after a 2-2 draw with Benin last week on Friday.
The Super Eagles coach in a presser on Tuesday stated that Zimbabwe has an incredible coach, Michael Nees and team who’re difficult to beat.
According to Chelle, Nees is a master tactician and a threat to the Super Eagles. Nevertheless, his boys are well prepared to take on the Worriors of Zimbabwe.
Chelle is keen on qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He is the first non-Nigerian to coach the team. The pressure to deliver is high for him lest he faces an unceremonious exit.
