New Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will take charge of his first game when Nigeria faces Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Chelle met his full squad for the first time this week and has been working intensively with the players as he looks to revive Nigeria’s faltering qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles are winless after four matches and sit second from bottom in their group, making this game a must-win as Chelle aims to steady the ship.
Much has been said about Chelle’s tactical approach, particularly from his time with Mali, and Nigerians are eager to see how the team performs under his leadership.
Here are three key aspects fans should expect from Chelle as Rwanda vs Nigeria kicks off on Friday, as revealed by the players themselves.
High work rate and intensity
Chelle has already set high expectations for his players. During his visit to Victor Osimhen, he made it clear that work rate and commitment will be non-negotiable.
“He is going to be very demanding,” he said on the Obi One podcast. “He wants the players to work hand in hand to achieve great things, but anyone who doesn’t fight for every ball or run for every ball will not play.”
This strong statement signals a shift towards a more aggressive, hardworking Super Eagles side.
Fans can expect to see players pressing high, chasing down every ball, and putting in the extra effort to dominate games.
A clear game plan for Rwanda vs Nigeria & beyond
Even before the full squad arrived in Kigali, Chelle had already begun tactical discussions with the players. He places great emphasis on clear communication and ensuring every player understands their role.
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman shared insights into Chelle’s methods:
“We have a lot of meetings with the coach before training sessions, where he discusses what he wants from us. Then we go out and implement those ideas on the pitch.”
This suggests a structured and methodical approach, with the coach focusing on tactical discipline, formations, and game strategies. Nigerians can expect a team that is well-drilled and tactically aware.
Attention to details and opponent analysis
Chelle’s meticulous approach extends to opponent scouting and match preparation. He studies teams closely and ensures his players are well-informed about their opposition.
Captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed this, saying their interaction with Chelle shows a lot about his love for attention and details. “The coach is big on scouting, he pays attention to the little details, and he has already given us a lot of information.”
This means the Super Eagles will go into games with a clear plan, knowing their opponents' strengths and weaknesses.
Expect a team that is more structured, disciplined, and unlikely to be caught off guard under Chelle.
