Super Eagles Aim for First Win Under New Coach Eric Chelle in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Rwanda

Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to lead Nigeria into a pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The match marks Chelle’s debut as the team’s manager, and he is determined to secure his first victory to revive Nigeria’s faltering qualifying campaign.

Chelle, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in January 2025, becomes the third coach to helm the Super Eagles since José Peseiro’s resignation in March 2024. His predecessors, Finidi George and Austin Eguavoen, managed two games each in the qualifiers, recording three draws and one defeat. This lackluster start has left Nigeria in fifth place in their group with just three points after four matches, five points behind group leaders Benin Republic.

The Super Eagles’ recent history against Rwanda adds to the pressure. Nigeria has not secured a win against Rwanda on their home turf in over two decades. Their last encounter in Kigali during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers ended in a 1-1 draw. Subsequent matches in 2011 and 2023 also resulted in goalless draws, highlighting the challenge Chelle’s squad faces.

Speaking ahead of the match, Chelle emphasized the importance of starting his tenure with a victory. “Rwanda also has a new coach, and they want to win just as much as we do. We are ready,” he said during the pre-match press conference. “My focus is on this game alone. We need to win for the country, and the players are determined to make Nigerians proud.”

The team has been in camp in Kigali since Sunday, with Chelle conducting three full training sessions to fine-tune his strategies. “We’ve had extensive meetings and training sessions. I’ve communicated my plans to the players, and we are focused on executing them,” he added. “Our preparation has been thorough, and we are ready to give our best.”

Captain William Troost-Ekong, who missed the last two qualifiers, is back in the squad and eager to lead by example. “We can’t change the past, but we have an opportunity to turn things around,” Ekong stated. “We respect Rwanda, but we are here to win. That’s our only objective.”

A victory against Rwanda would not only boost Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup but also restore confidence in the team’s campaign. After Friday’s match, the Super Eagles will return to Nigeria to face Zimbabwe in their second qualifier of the window at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

With the stakes high and the nation’s hopes resting on their shoulders, Chelle and his squad are determined to deliver a winning performance and reignite Nigeria’s World Cup dreams.