W’Cup qualifiers: Chelle, staff arrive Kigali today for Rwanda test

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff are scheduled to arrive in Kigali on Sunday (today) as preparations begin for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.

The Super Eagles will face the Amavubi in a must-win clash this week.

On Tuesday, the France-born coach trimmed the initial 39-man squad to 23, with the invited players expected to start arriving on Sunday evening.

Preparations will officially kick off on Monday when most of the squad is expected to be in camp with the match against Rwanda set for Friday, March 21, at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

The Super Eagles currently sit fifth in Group C with just three points from four matches, making consecutive victories essential to boost their chances of reaching the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Chelle made some shocking decisions in his final squad selection, notably dropping in-form Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche and Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, despite their exceptional performances for their respective clubs this season.

Instead, the coach has included four new invitees – Tolu Arokodare, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Igoh Ogbu, and Kayode Bankole – all of whom could make their international debuts in the upcoming fixtures.

The final squad includes goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Bankole, defenders William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Simon Moses.

Several regulars missed out on selection, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Maduka Okoye, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka, Chidera Ejuke, and Ahmed Musa.

Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella was withdrawn from the squad due to injury, with Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha called up as his replacement.

The Super Eagles will confront Group C leaders Rwanda in Kigali on Friday before taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo four days later.