Eric Chelle Reportedly Axes 3 Players From Super Eagles Squad After World Cup Setback
- Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has made a bold decision after the tough loss in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs
- Nigeria lost 4-3 to DR Congo on penalties at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on Sunday night (November 16)
- Eric Chelle has since shifted his focus to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in Morocco in December
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Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has taken some drastic measures following Nigeria's unceremonious defeat at the hands of DR Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off.
The Leopards beat the Super Eagles 4-3 via penalties after playing an entertaining 1-1 draw in front of the fans at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria got the lead through Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka in the third minute after his shot was deflected into the net.
Meshack Elia equalised for a stubborn DR Congo in the 32nd minute, converting Cedric Bakambu's pass after Fulham winger Alex Iwobi was disposed of it in the middle of the park.
Later in the game, Super Eagles' main man, Victor Osimhen, suffered an injury at the end of the first half, which prevented him from playing the second half as Nigeria strolled throughout the second 45 minutes. So, no other goals were scored for the Super Eagles.
Capitalising on this, the Leopards came close twice in winning the match during extra time, but the first attempt was denied by the Video Assistant Referee, while Stanley Nwabali stopped Chancel Mbemba's header from entering the net, according to the BBC.
At the end of the game, Eric Chelle accused a member of the DR Congo technical team of using 'voodoo' during the penalty shootout, after Nigeria failed to convert three attempts.
Chelle drops three players after WC playoffs
Coach Chelle has reportedly axed three players following their unimpressive performance at the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off.
Source: Getty Images
According to OwnGoal, the 48-year-old will lead Nigeria to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations coming up in December.
The former Mali coach has been given orders by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to reach the final of the AFCON or risk getting sacked.
Chelle has begun his plans for the AFCON, and his first point of call was to drop three players: Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and one other.
The former MC Oran gaffer is reportedly planning on calling up Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, FC Volendam midfielder Gibson Yah, and Pisa FC Ebenezer Akinsamiro.
Nigeria will receive a major boost after the recovery of Terem Moffi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who sustained injuries in their clubs before the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.
Chelle led Nigeria to finish in second position behind South Africa in the CAF qualification group with 17 points, according to NY Times.
President Tinubu commends Super Eagles
Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had commended the Super Eagles for the spirited performance in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Acknowledging the disappointment of missing the tournament for a second time, he emphasised the need to focus on the African Cup of Nations this year.
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Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
