Why new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle travelled to Europe?
New Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has been in the news since his appointment as Nigeria National Team coach. This time, Chelle is trending following his European tour to meet key players ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle, who was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last month, visited players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Moses Simon to strengthen team bonds and discuss his tactical plans for the upcoming qualifiers. The primary focus of this visit is Nigeria’s important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
On social media, both the Super Eagles and NFF confirmed Chelle’s meetings with the players. A message alongside photos of the visits read: “Head coach Éric Chelle and first assistant Hedi Taboubi visited some Super Eagles players ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers. #RoadToWorldCup2026 #SoarSuperEagles.”
Chelle began his tour in France, meeting with Nantes winger Moses Simon, before heading to England to meet Fulham’s Iwobi and Leicester City’s Ndidi.
After completing his European visit, Chelle will travel to Nigeria to finalise preparations with the domestic Super Eagles squad. These upcoming qualifiers are crucial for Nigeria, who are currently in fifth place in Group C of the African qualifiers.
Chelle is expected to meet with more key players across Europe. Nigeria must secure as many points as possible in the next matches, as only the group winners will advance to the 2026 World Cup.
