Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to return to the country to assess local talent in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.
After a tour of Europe, where he met with several Super Eagles internationals, Chelle will shift his focus to the domestic scene, hoping to identify players who could strengthen the squad for the must-win fixtures in March.
An official source confirmed to SCORENigeria that Chelle and his backroom staff would arrive in Nigeria in less than two weeks to continue preparations.
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“They will meet with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to discuss their plans for the qualifiers,” the report quoted. “They will also take the opportunity to watch NPFL matches, with the hope of discovering more players for the national team.”
With Nigeria sitting fifth in Group C of the African qualifiers, securing maximum points in the upcoming games is non-negotiable.
The Super Eagles opened their campaign with disappointing 1-1 draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa, before losing to Benin Republic, leaving them under pressure to get back on track.
Chelle, appointed by the NFF last month, has already engaged with key players abroad, including Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Moses Simon, to discuss his tactical plans and ensure a smooth transition ahead of his first match in charge.
Head coach Éric Chelle and first assistant Hedi Taboubi visited some Super Eagles players ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers. #RoadToWorldCup2026 #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/fvHm1woBd7
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 8, 2025
His European trip took him to France to meet with Simon before heading to England, where he held discussions with Fulham’s Iwobi and Leicester City's Ndidi.
Eric Chelle eyes NPFL talents for Super Eagles
After his European tour, Eric Chelle is keen to assess home-based talents who could break into the squad.
A number of NPFL stars have been in fine form this season and may receive a call-up for the upcoming qualifiers.
Remo Stars striker Sikiru Alimi, Nasarawa United defender Victor Collins and Niger Tornadoes dynamo Papa Daniel, all of whom have previously been involved in the Super Eagles setup, are among the standouts.
Super Eagles B, Papa Daniel freekick goal for Niger Tornadoes against Plateau Utd in a 1-1 draw #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/wNY3JpszLP
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) February 10, 2025
Anas Yusuf, the NPFL’s top scorer with 13 goals, is also making a strong case for inclusion. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars boast the league’s best defence, with defenders Tijani Kabiru and Godwin Odibo and goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal, among their key performers.
10 clean sheets in 15 NPFL games and still counting.
— MR OLAWALE QUADRY (@QualityQuadry) January 30, 2025
Meet @ShootingSc goalkeeper – MUSTAPHA LAWAL.
This guy and Anas Yusuf should be invited to the Super Eagles. pic.twitter.com/uaUgWHDKlr
Chelle is expected to finalize his squad list after evaluating the NPFL talents. Nigeria will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later.
With only the group winners guaranteed a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Chelle’s first games in charge will be crucial.
The NFF remains confident in his approach, hoping his proactive scouting and engagement with players will help turn Nigeria’s qualification campaign around.
