Super Eagles: Eric Chelle Invites Defender Who Subdued Romelu Lukaku for World Cup Qualifiers

Super Eagles: Eric Chelle Invites Defender Who Subdued Romelu Lukaku for World Cup Qualifiers

  • Eric Chelle has invited an impressive Nigerian star who is currently one of the best defenders in Europe to join the national team
  • West Brom star Semi Ajayi has been ruled out of the forthcoming matches but the coach seems to have a formidable replacement
  • Nigeria face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on March 21 and host Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later in a pair of must-win games

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has made a bold call-up with around three weeks until two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier games.

Nigeria will travel to Kigali to face the Amavubi of Rwanda on March 21, 2025, before they return to Uyo four days later and host Zimbabwe.

The Super Eagles have struggled in the WCQs so far, having failed to win any of their four matches and facing a tough task of advancing.

Igoh Ogbu has received a call-up from Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, with Nigeria desperate to win their next two World Cup qualifier games.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is calling up defender Igoh Ogbu for the next World Cup qualifier games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Photo. Ulrik Pedersen.
Source: Getty Images

Nigeria has only three points after three draws and a loss, while Rwanda, South Africa and Benin top the table with seven points each.

Read also

Eric Chelle warned ahead of 'must-not-lose' clashes against Rwanda and Zimbabwe

On January 5, 2025, the Nigeria Football Federation announced the appointment of Franco-Malian tactician Chelle to take charge of the team.

The manager has been tasked with ensuring Nigeria secure a World Cup ticket for next year and has already met with some key players.

Eric Chelle invites Igoh Ogbu to squad

Reports have suggested that Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu has been invited to the national squad.

Score Nigeria reported that the lanky defender will come in as a replacement for the injured Semi Ajayi.

Ogbu has impressed in Europe this season, with his efforts attracting the attention of Nigeria's handlers.

The 25-year-old has featured in 23 matches as his team aims for the league title, per Transfermarkt stats.

Ogbu previously represented Nigeria at the 2019 U20 Africa Cup of Nations and the U20 World Cup.

He had stints with Norwegian sides Rosenborg, Lavenger, Sognddall and Lillestrøm before joining Slavia Prague in January 2023.

Read also

Ex-Nigerian star faults Eric Chelle as 'spiritual player' missing in Super Eagles provisional list

Igoh Ogbu rated as 'no-nonsense defender'

Ogbu is one of the strongest defenders in Europe right now, having faced the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Olivier Giroud, and Omar Marmoush in the Europa League last season.

He told Tribal Football via Brila:

“Playing against Giroud, Lukaku, and Marmoush can be described as a good experience for me; a great thing. Lukaku is a very strong striker, Olivier Giroud and Marmoush as well, who everybody knows. The experience is there. I wasn’t stressed at all.”

The Nigerian defender was impressive in their 3-1 loss to AC Milan where he made things tough for French veteran Giroud.

Nigerian defender Igoh Ogbu in action in the Europa League against the likes of Romelu Lukaku.
Igoh Ogbu takes on Romelu Lukaku to cement his place among the best defenders in Europe currently. Photo: Antonio Balasco.
Source: Getty Images

Ogbu also stood his ground in two fiercely contested matches against Roma, effectively neutralising Lukaku’s impact within Slavia’s three-man defensive setup.

Ijeh confident of Chelle's squad

Meanwhile, former Nigerian international Peter Ijeh disclosed that inviting 39 players is a good step taken by the new manager. The former Vikings striker said:

Read also

Ex-Super Eagles star blasts Chelle for excluding Premier League star from provisional squad

"It is ok and a welcome gesture inviting 39 players and more as the first step and as an opportunity addressing the entire & unifying the team..
A psychologist is putting all the cards on the table. Addressing important issues as the games at hand, at the same time, establishing and navigating the ideology behind the mission."

Chelle to take stance on Ahmed Musa

Legit.ng earlier reported that it remains uncertain if Ahmed Musa will return to the Super Eagles set-up.

The Nigerian captain inspired a comeback victory for Kano Pillars 2-1 against Enugu Rangers on Sunday.

Reports have suggested that Eric Chelle is considering the former Leicester City star to make a comeback.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Babajide Orevba avatar

Babajide Orevba (Sports Editor) Babajide Orevba is a FIFA and CAF-accredited Nigerian journalist, digital publishing expert, researcher, writer and TV analyst. He has covered several major football tournaments including FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, AFCON, CAF Competitions as well as grassroots competitions in Africa. Email: babajide.orevba@corp.legit.ng