Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made it clear that he is leaving no room for distractions or indiscipline ahead of Nigeria’s must-win 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. According to an exclusive report from SCORENigeria, the coach has issued strict directives to his backroom staff, banning all visitors from entering the team’s training camp in Kigali.
Chelle, who reportedly took a significant pay cut to accept the Super Eagles job, has also insisted that any player who fails to attend training will not feature in Friday’s match.
Star striker Victor Osimhen confirmed the coach’s no-nonsense approach in an interview with the Obi One Podcast, revealing details of their conversation:
“We spoke, he called me along with his assistant. From the last AFCON with Mali, he’s a coach who loves to play and fight. He told me he’s going to be very, very demanding. He said, ‘The one who doesn’t fight for every ball or run for every ball will not play.’”
Osimhen further shared Chelle’s leadership philosophy:
“He said he can be a father, an uncle, or a big brother off the pitch, but on the pitch, it’s business. He might scream at us, but we shouldn’t take it personally. He expects leaders like me and Ekong to lead by example, and I totally agree with him.”
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Osimhen was among the first players to arrive at the training camp in Kigali, setting the tone for the rest of the squad ahead of Friday’s crucial encounter.
Editorial
The approach Eric Chelle is taking with the Super Eagles signals a much-needed shift in mentality and discipline. For too long, Nigerian teams have been criticised for lacking focus and tactical discipline, especially in key qualifying matches. Chelle’s decision to enforce strict rules and hold players accountable is a positive step toward building a stronger, more professional national team culture.
Banning visitors from the training camp and demanding full participation in training are not just about control but about fostering commitment and unity. With Nigeria facing an uphill battle after a shaky start to their World Cup qualification campaign, these measures are essential.
Chelle’s emphasis on leadership from senior players like Osimhen and Ekong also highlights the importance of on-pitch role models. Players must see their captains and key figures giving 100% effort, as that sets the standard for the entire squad.
Nigeria has the talent, but Chelle’s challenge will be to instil consistency, discipline, and tactical awareness. If he succeeds, this could be the beginning of a new era for the Super Eagles, defined by focus and professionalism both on and off the field.
Did You Know?
- Eric Chelle previously coached Mali and led them to the 2023 AFCON quarterfinals.
- The Super Eagles’ last World Cup appearance was in 2018, missing out on Qatar 2022.
- Nigeria’s highest finish in a FIFA World Cup remains the Round of 16, achieved in 1994, 1998, and 2014.
- Victor Osimhen has been Nigeria’s top scorer in qualifiers over the past two international cycles.
- Nigeria’s match against Rwanda could be their first competitive fixture under Eric Chelle, marking the start of his tenure with the team.
