Nigeria Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle. Photo by IMAGO
Former Nigeria U17 coach Manu Garba has backed Tolu Arokodare and Igho Ogbu to make a positive impression on Eric Chelle following their maiden invitations to the Super Eagles squad, Soccernet.ng reports.
Eric Chelle unveiled a 39-man provisional squad on Tuesday ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month.
The list features a blend of established internationals and eight new invitees, including Arokodare and Ogbu.
Also handed first-time call-ups are Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers), Christantus Uche (Getafe), Anthony Dennis (Göztepe SK), Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars), Papa Daniel (Niger Tornadoes), and Akor Adams (Sevilla).
However, Garba holds special admiration for Arokodare and Ogbu — two players he helped nurture during their formative years with Nigeria’s U17 national team.
Arokodare, 24, has enjoyed a standout season in Belgium, firing 18 goals and providing five assists in 33 appearances as Genk chase the Belgian Pro League title.
Ogbu, on the other hand, has become a defensive mainstay at Slavia Prague, making 41 appearances last season and featuring 27 times already this campaign as the Czech giants push for league glory.
Garba, who guided Nigeria to U17 World Cup glory in 2013, believes both players possess the talent to establish themselves in Eric Chelle’s plans — if they can replicate their club form on the international stage.
“This is a good opportunity for both Igho Ogbu and Tolu Arokodare to contribute to the success of the Super Eagles to qualify Nigeria to the World Cup and win the AFCON,” Garba told NationSports.
“But then they have to earn a place in the team by replicating the good job in their various clubs for the Super Eagles both in training and matches.”
Eric Chelle is expected to trim his provisional squad to 23 players in the coming days ahead of the crucial double-header.
Nigeria will face Rwanda on March 21 in Kigali before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25 — two must-win games as the Super Eagles look to revive their World Cup qualifying campaign.