Super Eagles: Eric Chelle Reportedly Drops Three Players From Squad Ahead of WC Qualifiers
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly made three changes to the Nigerian squad due to injuries
- William Troost-Ekong is among players facing fitness concerns ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers
- The Super Eagles face two must-win matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March to keep their hopes alive
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Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been forced to drop three players ahead of the two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.
The 47-year-old Malian tactician has reportedly dropped these three players from the squad due to injury and fitness concerns, casting a shadow over Nigeria's hopes of qualifying.
Source: Getty Images
Chelle, who will take charge of his first official matches as Nigeria’s head coach in March, has been closely monitoring the fitness of his squad.
Captain William Troost-Ekong, striker Victor Osimhen, midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and defender Semi Ajayi are facing injury concerns.
According to OwnGoal Nigeria, an NFF insider claimed Chelle has been forced to seek replacements, including calling up an unnamed midfielder.
The adjustments to the Nigerian national team come as the Super Eagles seek to secure vital points in their quest for World Cup qualification.
Key injury concerns for Super Eagles
The Super Eagles have been hit with multiple injury concerns ahead of the next round of 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
Troost-Ekong, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Kholood, has missed matches due to an injury he sustained on February 14.
His availability remains uncertain as he continues his recovery.
Similarly, Osimhen suffered a knock during Galatasaray’s goalless draw against Fenerbahce in their Super Lig clash on Monday, February 24.
While his coach Okan Buruk has yet to confirm the severity of the injury, it raises concerns about the star striker's availability for the qualifiers.
Adding to Coach Chelle’s growing selection headache, Dele-Bashiru and Ajayi were ruled out due to injuries confirmed by their respective clubs.
Source: Getty Images
What next for the Super Eagles?
The Super Eagles will need to adapt quickly to the squad changes and prepare effectively for their World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria are currently second from the bottom in Group C with only three points from their opening four matches in the qualifiers.
The three-time African champions have managed three draws and one defeat to sit four points adrift of group leaders Rwanda, South Africa and Benin, who all have seven points apiece.
The loss of key players is a major setback, with the squad depth in the Super Eagles certain to be tested as new players are asked to step up.
More injury worries for the Super Eagles
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria's qualification chances were getting slimmer with the injury worries of key players in their respective clubs.
Ahead of must-win 2026 World Cup qualifier games, Super Eagles stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong had reportedly suffered a calf injury.
He was replaced in the 70th minute of Al-Kholood’s 0-2 loss at Al Orobah during their Saudi Pro League on February 14 and missed their next game.
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Source: Legit.ng
