Super Eagles: Coach Reportedly Drops 6 Players From Squad After Nigeria's Draw Versus Zimbabwe
- Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has reportedly taken drastic measures with his squad ahead of the international friendlies in June
- Under the Malian tactician, Nigeria played two matches, recording a win and an underwhelming draw in front of home fans in March
- The Super Eagles now risk missing the FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive time, as they sit fourth in CAF qualification Group C
Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has reportedly dropped six players from the 23-man squad that featured in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last month.
In his first two games in charge, the Super Eagles first beat Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali before a disappointing draw against Zimbabwe at home in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen, who is expected to spark a transfer battle this summer, scored three goals as his country's World Cup qualification hopes dwindled.
Source: Getty Images
According to FIFA, the Super Eagles are fourth in their qualifying group and remain in touching distance, although recent results have not inspired hope.
The turning point came during the match against Zimbabwe, where the Super Eagles failed to maintain their 1-0 lead after Osimhen was substituted.
Nigeria coach reportedly drops six players
Super Eagles coach Chelle has reportedly axed six players from the 23-man squad that participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers last month.
According to Owngoal, the 47-year-old Malian tactician was left unimpressed by several players who failed to meet expectations in the first team.
Coach Chelle is reportedly set to release a new squad for the four-nation Unity Friendly Tournament in England in June, as reported by ThisDay.
Among those reportedly dropped are Jordan Torunarigha and Igho Ogbu, both surprise call-ups in the absence of Leon Balogun and Semi Ajayi.
New England Revolution midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, who was converted to a right-back during the World Cup qualifier games, has also been left out.
Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, who could not make the starting lineup, will miss out on the Nigeria Premier Football League slot, per Punch.
In midfield, Joe Aribo - despite strong performances for Southampton - did not feature in either of the two qualifiers and is also set to be dropped.
Source: Getty Images
Possible replacements in Super Eagles squad
Chelle is reportedly considering inviting Nigeria-eligible players performing abroad, as well as recalling some established names to bolster the squad.
The former Mali boss may bring back capped players such as Nathan Tella, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, and veteran defender Leon Balogun.
Other players said to be on Chelle’s radar include Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Augsburg’s Frank Onyeka, Christantus Uche of Getafe, and Gabe Osho of French Ligue 1 side Auxerre.
Werder Bremen left-back Felix Agu is also in line for a Super Eagles debut after recently pledging his international future to Nigeria, per OmaTv, with the coach aiming to build momentum.
Chelle eyes Dutch-born player
Legit.ng earlier reported that Chelle is planning a meeting with Dutch-born striker Emanuel Emegha in an attempt to strengthen the Super Eagles squad.
The Strasbourg forward, who is eligible to represent Nigeria, Togo, or the Netherlands, is reportedly seen as a potential addition to Nigeria’s attacking lineup.
Despite featuring for the Dutch Under-21 team, his senior international future remains unclear and playing for the Super Eagles is one of his options.
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Source: Legit.ng
