Four Super Eagles debutant: Who should Eric Chelle start vs. Rwanda?

The Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Rwanda in their fifth game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers today, and they will be looking to get the win and climb higher up the standings in Group C.

New coach Eric Chelle invited 23 players to camp for the encounter, four of whom are new to the Super Eagles. The new players are Kayode Bankole, Igoh Ogbu, Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Tolu Arokodare.

Going into the game, Chelle is expected to bring something new to the table, given the team’s struggles in recent years. And that means that there could be one or two changes to the team, which might create opportunities for some of the new players.

In this article, Soccernet.ng looks at all the new invitees and the chances of getting their debut against Rwanda.

Soccernet’s verdict

Kayode Bankole

Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole is one of the new boys in the team, but it is highly unlikely that he will get a shot at starting for Nigeria, as he is the third-choice goalkeeper after Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie. Unless something spectacular happens, he would have to watch from the bench.

Igoh Ogbu

Igoh Ogbu is another player who will be hoping for his maiden appearance for Nigeria. He has had a very good season as he has been the rock in Slavia Prague’s backline. But his chances of playing would depend on the brand of football that Chelle wants to play.

Team Captain William Troost-Ekong cannot be displaced in that defence, but Calvin Bassey has not exactly sealed his spot as Troost-Ekong’s partner, so Ogbu could sneak in. Also, Ogbu could get a chance if Chelle decides to use a back three. As there are only three natural center-backs in the team, the Slavia Prague star would surely get a chance.

Papa Daniel Mustapha

Meanwhile, Papa Daniel Mustapha is another player who might have to just observe from the bench or hope that his teammates finish the job early so he can get some minutes. The Niger Tornadoes star is one of the highly-rated NPFL players on the team due to his brilliant performances. Unfortunately for him, coach Chelle has other experienced defensive midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi and Raphael Onyedika as options, and they are not even guaranteed a starting shirt. Mustapha will likely get his chance off the bench.

Tolu Arokodare

Genk star Tolu Arokodare has had an unforgettable season in Belgium, registering 17 goals and five assists in 30 appearances. But he will likely be the third-choice striker for Nigeria heading into the fixture. Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface are the main men for the Super Eagles, but Arokodare can fancy his chances of displacing Boniface, who has failed to score for Nigeria despite several opportunities.

Moreover, the former Amiens man offers something different with his strength and big build. He could just be the x-factor for the Super Eagles. He will not start, but he might get a chance off the bench.