WATCH: Osimhen, Iwobi, Lookman shine as Chelle leads first Super Eagles training pre-Rwanda

Newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has officially begun his tenure, leading his first training session ahead of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, Footynaija.com reports.

Chelle, alongside his coaching staff, arrived in Kigali on Sunday, where he has been gradually assembling his squad.

Early arrivals hit the gym on Monday before six more players joined them later that evening. The rest of the team arrived on Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of players in camp to 22. Only Alhassan Yusuf remains absent, but he is expected to join the squad in Rwanda on Wednesday.

The closed-door training session in Kigali saw the likes of Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, and Alex Iwobi in high spirits as they adjusted to Chelle’s methods.

Super Eagles first-ever training session under Eric Chelle. #PoojaInRwanda pic.twitter.com/UYDWL72KCY

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 18, 2025

The atmosphere in camp appeared upbeat, with players keen to impress their new manager ahead of a vital period for Nigerian football.

With the Super Eagles set to face Rwanda’s Amavubi on March 22, the stakes could not be higher. Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes hinge on securing maximum points, as anything less could put their chances of reaching the tournament—hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—in serious jeopardy.

Following the Rwanda fixture, the Super Eagles will return to Nigeria for another must-win clash against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

For Chelle and his team, back-to-back victories are non-negotiable as they look to make a strong start under their new leadership.