2026 World Cup Qualifiers: 4 Untouchable Super Eagles Stars Under Nigeria Coach Chelle
- Eric Chelle is prepared to take charge of his first two matches as Super Eagles head coach this month
- The Ivorian took over in January and was saddled with seeing Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- He is expected to announce his first squad soon, ahead of crucial games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe
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Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle is expected to announce his squad ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Ivorian was appointed the manager in January and was tasked with seeing the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite some early setbacks.
Source: Getty Images
There has been much speculation about who would be named in Chelle's first squad as coach but he has kept those cards close to his chest.
OwnGoal Nigeria reported that an announcement is pending and Legit.ng looks at four untouchable players who are likely to be starters.
Super Eagles stars likely to start for WCQ
1. Victor Osimhen
The former African Footballer of the Year will undoubtedly be the first name on the team sheet when fit and available, as he is the best striker in the Super Eagles squad and one of the elite forwards in European football.
He missed three international breaks last year due to injury and still scored three goals. He will be Chelle's main man in attack, having scored 22 goals for Galatasaray this season, according to Transfermarkt statistics.
2. Ademola Lookman
The reigning African Footballer of the Year was the Super Eagles’ top scorer last year with six goals, including three at AFCON 2023, where he was named in the team of the tournament after helping Nigeria reach the final where they lost to hosts Ivory Coast.
Lookman has been in impressive form for Atalanta this season and has justified his many accolades. According to Transfermarkt, he has scored 17 goals and provided seven assists, making him one of the most indispensable players in the national team.
3. Ola Aina
Aina has been ever-present since making his Super Eagles debut in 2017 after switching his international allegiance, having represented England at the international youth levels.
He has arguably been the best right-back in England this season, helping Nottingham Forest climb to third on the Premier League table. His versatility offers Chelle options on both sides of the defence.
4. Stanley Nwabali
Nigeria has not had a goalkeeper with a reassuring presence in goal since Vincent Enyeama retired.
Carl Ikeme’s impressive time between the sticks was sadly short-lived by his leukemia diagnosis.
Stanley Nwabali put up impressive performances for Nigeria at AFCON 2023 and cemented his spot as a first choice keeper.
He has been shaken recently by the demise of his parents three months apart, but he remains the best shot-stopper in the team.
Source: Getty Images
Honourable mentions: Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi.
Bad news for Super Eagles
Legit.ng also reported that Adel Amrouche’s appointment as Rwanda's head coach is bad news for the Super Eagles, with the manager having a point to prove against Nigeria.
Amrouche faced Nigeria as the head coach of Kenya and never recorded a win in charge, with two defeats to the Super Eagles as coach of Libya in 2018 costing him his position.
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Source: Legit.ng
