Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle took his first steps with the Super Eagles on Tuesday, leading a complete training session with 22 players as the team prepares for their eagerly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C qualifier against Rwanda on Friday.
With all the invited players, except for US-based New England Revolution midfielder Yusuf Alhassan, now in camp, Chelle conducted his first official training session ahead of the crucial Matchday 5 encounter against Group C leaders, Rwanda.
The Super Eagles’ camp at the Radisson Blu Hotel saw the arrival of team officials and home-based players, including goalkeeper Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars) and Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes) on Sunday evening. On Monday morning, they were joined by Victor Osimhen, Bruno Onyemaechi, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Tolu Arokodare.
Later that Monday night, Simon Moses, Victor Boniface, Raphael Onyedika, Jordan Torunarigha, Stanley Nwabali, and Samuel Chukwueze arrived.
Captain William Ekong, along with Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Joseph Aribo, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ola Aina, were the next to arrive on Tuesday, followed by Sevilla striker Sadiq Umar, who completed the group before midday. All 22 players participated in the team’s first training session under the Franco-Malian coach.
Hired in January, Chelle has been given the task of reigniting the Super Eagles’ World Cup hopes after they found themselves in an unfamiliar fifth position in Group C, having earned just three points from their opening four matches.
Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin each have seven points, while Zimbabwe, the Super Eagles’ Matchday 6 opponents, are in fourth place with four points. Lesotho sits at the bottom of the group.
