Osimhen, Boniface, Arokodare Lead 23-Man Squad
Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, will conduct his first training sessionas Nigeria’s national team manager in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on March 21, 2025.
According to reports from Completesports.com, the Franco-Malian tactician will begin preparations with his squad as they aim to revive their World Cup qualification hopes.
Players to Arrive in Kigali by March 18
A top official from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that all invited players will fly directly from their respective clubs to Kigali, with camp officially opening on March 17.
“We expect the players to fly directly to Kigali from their respective clubs, latest by Tuesday, 18 March, while the technical crew, led by Eric Chelle, will arrive a day earlier,” the official said.
Chelle’s foreign assistants will also link up with the squad in Kigali, while his Nigerian assistants and a home-based goalkeeper will travel ahead on March 16.
Strikers Headline 23-Man Squad
The highly anticipated squad list features some of Nigeria’s hottest attacking talents, including:
• Victor Osimhen (Napoli)
• Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Toluwalase Arokodare (Belgian Pro League top scorer)
• Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad)
• Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)
The Super Eagles are currently fifth in Group C with three points from four matches and desperately need maximum points to get their qualification campaign back on track.
Redemption Mission
The NFF official emphasized that the game is a chance to avenge Nigeria’s shock AFCON 2025 qualifier defeat to Rwanda in Uyo last year.
“We are providing the coach and the team with all the necessary support. The Super Eagles cannot afford to drop any points at this stage if we want to be at the 2026 World Cup. It starts in Kigali.”
After facing Rwanda, Nigeria will return home to host Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 24 to round off their qualification campaign.
Can Eric Chelle turn Nigeria’s World Cup dreams around?
