The Super Eagles are making headlines as we build towards the crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in three weeks’ time. From squad selections to managerial expectations, here’s the latest on the national team.
Iheanacho Left Out
Head coach Eric Chelle has submitted his preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, and one of the biggest omissions is Middlesbrough’s on-loan Sevilla forward Kelechi Iheanacho. Despite being a key figure in past Super Eagles squads, Iheanacho has been left out, with Chelle opting for other attacking options.
Squad recalls
Returning to the squad are Southampton duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu, both of whom have impressed Chelle at club level despite Saints struggles at the foot of the Premier League.
Bayer Leverkusen winger Nathan Tella has also reportedly earned a recall, after making just one appearance for the Super Eagles in November 2023.
Nathan Tella scored a screamer as Leverkusen beat Dortmund last night! ? pic.twitter.com/BYDEItYyEN
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Debuts
The squad welcomes two fresh faces, as Uche Chrisantus of La Liga side Getafe and Chuba Akpom of Ligue 1 club Lille, on loan from Ajax, receive their first call-ups.
Akpom has hit the ground running in France, scoring in his first two matches for Les Dogues. His inclusion is a much-needed boost for a Super Eagles attack that has managed just four goals in four World Cup qualifiers, with star duo Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen yet to fully click.
For Chrisantus, this call-up completes a remarkable footballing journey. Just three years ago, he was playing amateur football in Owerri. In 2022, he joined Spanish fifth-tier side Moralo CP, before moving to third-tier AD Ceuta for a modest €800 (NGN 1.2m), where impressive performances earned him a move to Getafe.
Since making an instant impact by scoring on his La Liga debut in August, Christantus has proved himself to be one of the brightest young Nigerian sparks in Europe, and looks ready to prove himself on the international stage.
? Le bastaron solo ???? ???????.
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) February 18, 2025
? ¡Uche adelantó al @GetafeCF con este tanto en el #GironaGetafe!#LALIGAEASPORTS | #LALIGAHighlights pic.twitter.com/Sw9vs2CFD8
Chelle Tasked With World Cup Qualification
Nigeria football chiefs have made it clear that new head coach Eric Chelle’s primary mission is to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chelle was given this directive during a private dinner hosted by Nigerian Customs Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, where key football officials, including former sports ministers and NFF executives, were in attendance.
Currently sitting in fifth place in Group C of the qualifiers, the Super Eagles have no margin for error in their upcoming matches.
Osimhen Returns for Galatasaray
Star man Victor Osimhen made his return from injury for Galatasaray, coming off the bench in the 63rd minute as his team played out a 0-0 draw against Konyaspor. This is a significant boost for head coach Eric Chelle as he prepares to lead the Super Eagles in his first competitive fixtures.
Osimhen, who sustained an injury in the Intercontinental Derby against Fenerbahçe, was a doubt for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. However, the return of the Super Eagles second-highest ever goalscorer has has eased concerns and given Nigeria a boost ahead of their crucial matches.
Victor Osimhen smiling ?pic.twitter.com/8X3snsQwoe
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Semi Ajayi Suffers Injury Blow
The Super Eagles have been dealt a setback ahead of their must-win World Cup Qualifiers, with West Bromwich Albion confirming that defender Semi Ajayi has suffered another hamstring injury. The experienced centre back had only recently returned from a long-term injury but has now been ruled out for several weeks.
Adding to Chelle’s concerns, William Troost-Ekong is also battling fitness issues. The Al-Kholood defender has been sidelined since suffering a muscle injury in a Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Orobah FC on February 14 and has yet to return to training.
Defensive absences poses a selection dilemma for Eric Chelle, who may now need to turn to other options such as Olisa Ndah, Gabriel Osho, Kevin Akpoguma, and Kenneth Omeruo.
Joseph Yobo Predicts a Bounce Under Chelle
Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo believes that Nigeria will benefit from a new manager bounce under Eric Chelle when they take on Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Yobo, who featured in both the 2002 and 2010 World Cups for Nigeria, expects the players to step up and prove themselves to the new boss.
“There’s a new coach for the Super Eagles and I expect the players to be on top of their game to prove to him they are good enough to play for Nigeria,” said Yobo, who has also served as an assistant coach for Nigeria.
“This is what often happens in clubs with new coaches. So, I expect the Super Eagles to be at their best.”
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