Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen, has clarified that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle had full control over the final squad selection for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with no interference from the technical committee.
Nigeria will take on Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, March 21, before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, March 25, in a bid to revive their World Cup qualification hopes.
Last week, Chelle released a 39-man provisional squad for his first set of assignments as Nigeria’s head coach. On Tuesday, he finalized his 23-man squad ahead of the team’s training camp, which kicks off in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday.
The initial provisional list comprised five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 10 midfielders, and 14 attackers, including seven potential debutants. However, after the final cut, only 23 players remained, with four debutants making the squad.
Chelle last worked in MC Oran before signing a contract with the NFF
The upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe are crucial, as victories in both matches are vital to keeping Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive.
