W’Cup Qualifiers: Chelle and Ekong Eye First Victory in Kigali.
Three months after his appointment, new Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is aiming for his first win in charge when Nigeria faces Rwanda in a critical 2026 World Cup qualifying match at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday (today), reports The PUNCH.
Chelle, who was appointed in January by the Nigeria Football Federation, is the third coach to take the reins of the Super Eagles since José Peseiro’s resignation in March 2024. Prior to Chelle’s arrival, the team was managed by former international Finidi George and NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen.
With the challenges left behind by Peseiro and Finidi, Chelle’s task has been a tough one, as he must steer the team through a rocky start to their World Cup campaign. Peseiro and Finidi each managed two matches, resulting in three draws and one loss. This leaves Chelle with the critical mission of securing the team’s first win to keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
The three-time African champions have struggled to beat Rwanda on their home turf for nearly two decades, with a 1-1 draw in a 2006 World Cup qualifier at Amahoro Stadium. In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier ended in a goalless draw at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, just outside Kigali. A similar 0-0 result occurred in September of last year during a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at Amahoro.
Ahead of the challenge, Chelle expressed his determination to start his tenure with a victory.
“They also have a new coach, they want to win, and we also want to win. We are ready,” Chelle said during a pre-match interview.
“I just want to focus on this game with my players. We need to win this game, and they are training hard. They want Nigerians to be proud of them.”
The Super Eagles have been in camp in Kigali since Sunday, with Chelle having led the team through three full training sessions.
“We’ve had many meetings and training sessions. I’ve communicated my plans and how we intend to succeed,” he added. “We must focus on our game. We have a strong squad, and what we do on and off the ball will be crucial. Our preparation is key, and we will be ready.”
“I want to win this game because the country needs it.”
After four matches, Nigeria sits in fifth place with just three points, five behind leaders Benin Republic, who drew 2-2 with Zimbabwe on Thursday.
Team captain William Troost-Ekong, who missed the last two games, is eager to help change the team’s fortunes in this crucial encounter.
“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’ve prepared. Our job here is to win.”
A victory against Rwanda would provide a significant boost to Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, along with results from other matches. After Friday’s clash with Rwanda, the Super Eagles will return home to face Zimbabwe next Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
