Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to return to Nigeria to scout for local talent in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Following an extensive European tour where he met with several key Super Eagles internationals, Chelle is now shifting his focus to the domestic league. His goal is to identify standout NPFL players who could bolster the squad for the must-win matches in March.
According to an insider source who spoke to SCORENigeria, Chelle and his coaching staff will arrive in Nigeria within the next two weeks to ramp up preparations.
“They will meet with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to outline their plans for the qualifiers,” the source revealed. “During their stay, they will also attend NPFL matches to scout potential new players for the national team.”
With Nigeria currently languishing in fifth place in Group C of the African qualifiers, securing maximum points in the upcoming games is a top priority.
The Super Eagles’ campaign began with frustrating 1-1 draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, followed by a disappointing loss to Benin Republic. These results have left the team under immense pressure to get their qualification hopes back on track.
Since his appointment by the NFF last month, Chelle has wasted no time in engaging with key players abroad. His European scouting mission saw him meet with influential Super Eagles stars, including Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Moses Simon, to discuss tactical plans and team strategies.
Head coach Éric Chelle and first assistant Hedi Taboubi visited some Super Eagles players ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 🇳🇬🦅#RoadToWorldCup2026 #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/fvHm1woBd7
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 8, 2025
His journey took him to France, where he met with Simon, before heading to England to hold discussions with Iwobi (Fulham) and Ndidi (Leicester City).
Now, with his European tour completed, Chelle is eager to turn his attention to homegrown talent, hoping to unearth NPFL gems capable of making an impact on the international stage.
Several NPFL players have impressed this season and could be in line for a national team call-up. Among them are:
- Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars) – A prolific forward with a keen eye for goal.
- Victor Collins (Nasarawa United) – A solid defender with previous national team experience.
- Papa Daniel (Niger Tornadoes) – A dynamic midfielder known for his creativity and ball control.
- Anas Yusuf (Sporting Lagos) – The NPFL’s current top scorer with 13 goals, making a strong case for selection.
- Mustapha Lawal (Shooting Stars) – A standout goalkeeper anchoring the league’s best defensive unit.
- Tijani Kabiru & Godwin Odibo (Shooting Stars) – Key defensive stalwarts in the NPFL.
🚨Super Eagles B, Papa Daniel freekick goal for Niger Tornadoes against Plateau Utd in a 1-1 draw 🔥🇳🇬#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/wNY3JpszLP
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) February 10, 2025
Chelle is expected to finalize his squad list after a thorough evaluation of these NPFL stars.
Nigeria will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21, followed by a home clash against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.
With only the group winners securing an automatic spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, these fixtures could define Chelle’s tenure as Super Eagles head coach.
The NFF remains confident in his approach, believing that his proactive scouting and engagement with players—both at home and abroad—will help turn Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign around.
10 clean sheets in 15 NPFL games and still counting.
— MR OLAWALE QUADRY 🇳🇬 (@QualityQuadry) January 30, 2025
Meet @ShootingSc goalkeeper - MUSTAPHA LAWAL.
This guy and Anas Yusuf should be invited to the Super Eagles. pic.twitter.com/uaUgWHDKlr
