Osimhen Discloses Chelle’s Warning to Super Eagles Stars Ahead of World Cup Qualifier
- Eric Chelle is set for his first two Super Eagles games as coach during the next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- The manager has named his 23-man squad for the crucial games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month
- Galatasaray and Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen has detailed what the manager told him in a recent discussion
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Eric Chelle sent a warning to Super Eagles players, including Victor Osimhen, ahead of their next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier games.
The Nigerian forward stated that his caution was given as his country faces two must-win games to turn a dull campaign around.
Source: Getty Images
The Super Eagles have only three points after four games in Group C, which they share with South Africa, Benin Republic, Rwanda, Lesotho and Zimbabwe.
Jose Peseiro guided the three-time African champions to draws against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, while Finidi George coached a draw against South Africa before losing to Benin Republic.
Nigeria is currently fifth in the group, according to the official FIFA standings for CAF nations, and will need both games to go their way if they want to be present in North America next year.
Coach Chelle named his 23-man squad for the games via the Super Eagles official handle on X, relying on superstars such as Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and star keeper Stanley Nwabali.
Osimhen shares Chelle’s warning to Super Eagles
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.”
Source: Getty Images
Osimhen missed the previous qualifying games, during which Nigeria struggled in front of goal with his deputies, including Victor Boniface, unable to convert their chances.
Why Nigeria must qualify for 2026 WC
Legit.ng also reported on Osimhen speaking on why Nigeria must qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ahead of the qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles missed out on the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar after losing to Ghana in the playoffs and cannot risk a consecutive absence at the Mundial.
Why Osimhen joined Galatasaray
Legit.ng also reported on Osimhen explaining why he joined Galatasaray as he nears the end of his season-long loan move with the Turkish league champions.
He admitted that manager Okan Buruk played a crucial role in convincing him, with his personal goals and what the club wanted to achieve being well aligned.
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Source: Legit.ng
