Trust in NPFL stars – Ex-Madrid B ace tasks Eric Chelle on Super Eagles squad for Rwanda, Zimbabwe

Former Real Madrid B winger Dimeji Lawal has called on Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle to give players from the Nigeria Professional Football League a fair chance when naming his squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria face two must-win fixtures in the qualification race for the tournament set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The Super Eagles are under pressure to turn their fortunes around after failing to register a victory in their opening four matches of the campaign.

With just under three weeks left before the decisive games, Eric Chelle is expected to finalise his 23-man squad.

Familiar names such as Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman are widely tipped to feature on the list. Emerging talents like Tolu Arokodare and Christantus Uche could also receive surprise call-ups following impressive club form in Belgium and Spain respectively.

Getafe’s midfielder, Christantus Uche is reportedly on the list of invited players by Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle for the World Cup qualifier games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month.

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— Ojora Babatunde (@ojbsports) February 15, 2025

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However, Dimeji Lawal believes the head coach must not overlook the quality players performing in the domestic league.

The former Nigeria international is convinced that NPFL stars can play a crucial role in helping the Super Eagles secure maximum points in both matches.

“I am delighted that Eric Chelle has visited some league venues to watch our NPFL matches and I am sure he must have seen one or two quality players that can play a key role for the Super Eagles in the qualifying campaign against Rwanda and Zimbabwe,” Lawal told Completesports.

“Yes, the two games are must-win encounters but there is nothing wrong if the Super Eagles head coach decides to put his trust in them. No doubt, the list will be dominated by foreign players but we should not ignore the NPFL players.

“We have seen what some of them have done for the team in the past and I know Eric Chelle will want to give them a chance to prove their worth.”

Chelle has already made efforts to familiarise himself with the domestic league, attending several NPFL matches since his appointment.

Super Eagles coach Éric Sékou Chelle attended his first league match in Nigeria. He was presented with a jersey of Ikorodu City. pic.twitter.com/mLRxidwgC5

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) February 19, 2025

The Franco-Malian coach was in attendance to witness Ikorodu City’s thrilling comeback victory over Plateau United last month, a match that showed the league’s emerging talents.

However, many of the NPFL stars catching the eye this season have already been drafted into the CHAN Eagles squad preparing for the African Nations Championship later this year. Despite this, Lawal believes a few standout performers could still force their way into Chelle’s plans.

With Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread, the Super Eagles will need all the quality and commitment they can muster — whether from home or abroad.