W’Cup qualifiers: Chelle, Ekong target first win in Kigali
Three months after his appointment, new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is looking forward to securing a win in his first game in charge of the team when he leads them against Rwanda in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday (today), The NewsNGR reports.
Chelle was appointed in January by the Nigeria Football Federation, becoming the third person to take charge of the Super Eagles since the resignation of José Peseiro in March 2024.
Before him, the team was handled by ex-international Finidi George and NFF Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen.
The line of handlers who have come before him, particularly Peseiro and Finidi have made his start to life a herculean task, as he faces the pressure of reviving the team’s ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Peseiro and Finidi managed two games each in the series, recording three draws and one defeat. The poor start leaves Chelle with the task of securing their first win to boost Nigeria’s hopes of not missing another World Cup.
The three-time African champions are yet to get a win over Rwanda on their home turf, going back to 20 years ago when a 2006 World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium.
In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless. In September last year, another 0-0 was the outcome of a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro.
Ahead of the herculean task, Chelle was unequivocal about his desire to begin his reign with a victory.
“They also have a new coach, they want to win and we also want to win. We are ready,” Chelle said at the pre-match interview.
“I just want to be with my players, I want my players to focus on this game. Only this game now and after that, we will see the other games. We need to win this game. They are training hard and they want Nigerians to be proud of them.”
The team’s camp opened in Kigali on Sunday and the ex-Malian coach has had three full sessions with the team.
“We have had a lot of meetings and training sessions. I have communicated my plans, and how we intend to achieve success,” he added.
“We must focus on our game, we have a great squad. We must work hard. What we do with the ball and off the ball will be important. We are focusing on our preparation and we will be ready.
“I want to win this game because the country needs this.”
After four matches, the three-time African champions sit in fifth place with just three points, five points behind leaders Benin Republic, who played a 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe on Thursday.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong was missing in action during their last two games in the series, but the defender is poised to change the narrative in the group.
“We can’t change the past, but we have a chance to do better,” Ekong said.
“We will respect Rwanda but we are ready and we have prepared. We have one job here and it’s to win.
A win against Rwanda will go a long way in reviving the team’s hope – as well as results from other matches.
After facing Rwanda on Friday, the Super Eagles will return home for the second game of this window against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo next Tuesday.
