Ahead of a must win clash for the Super Eagles, coach Eric Chelle has made a key announcement as the players arrive in Kigali for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The 47-year-old was tasked by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure the team secures a spot in the World Cup for the second consecutive time. Nigeria sits fifth in Group C with three points from four matches, while Rwanda leads with seven points, ahead on goal difference.
According to ScoreNigeria, the former Mali coach has read a riot act to the team. The former Mali coach has placed a ban on visitors during his training sessions and in camp. The former MC Oran coach warned that players who miss out on today’s training will not feature in the decisive match against Rwanda on Friday.
Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen was among the early birds, while first-time invitee and KRC Genk forward Tolu Arokodare has also joined the team in Kigali. Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole and Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha are also first-time invitees at camp and flew into Kigali from Nigeria with the rest of the officials.
During an interview on the Obi One Podcast, Osimhen disclosed that he spoke to the manager ahead of the games later this month and crucial advice was given to the entire team.
He admitted to host Mikel John Obi that he knew the manager from the last edition of AFCON when Chelle coached his nation, Mali, to a quarter-final finish in an impressive effort.
“He’s going to be very demanding. He said that he needs me and the senior players on the team to work with him to achieve amazing things for Nigeria,” Osimhen stated.
The Nigerian superstar said his national coach was clear with his words, emphasising the need to run every time and fight for every ball if they want to keep their place. “He said he could be a father, big brother or uncle to everybody. But on the pitch, it is business. If the younger players see us running crazy, they will do it also. He said, ‘I might scream at you guys, I might do a lot of stuff, but don’t take it to heart.’ And I agree with him because Nigeria is a big country with millions of players
