The coming of Eric Chelle as the new coach of the senior national team of Nigeria will no doubt pave the way for some players to be given a look in when the team regroup for the world cup qualifiers in March, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Chelle will be unveiled later today as the new coach of the Nigerian team replacing Austine Eguavoen, who held the position in interim capacity all through the qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON.
Eguavoen will now return to his post as the technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) leaving Chelle with the task of ensuring that the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
We pick five players who could get their maiden call up under the coach , who was in charge of the Malian team at the last AFCON.
1. Hamzat Ojediran ( Lens) – Plays for the former team of the coach. The former Nigeria U20 midfielder has taken to life in Ligue 1 quite easily following his move in the summer. He has been involved in ten games this season in Ligue 1.
2. Ani Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba) – We exclusively gathered that Chelle has already taken notice of the shot stopper after watching him in goal for the CHAN team and Enyimba in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Chelle is said to be impressed with his ability to play with his legs, which will suit his style to playing from the back. He is very much in the frame for a fifth time call up.
3. Chrisantus Uche (Getafe) – Already in the loop and just waiting for his chance. He has kept his spot in the team of Getafe and with the coach keen on bringing more options to the team in the midfield, his chance will no doubt be on the cards.
4. Jide Fatokun ( Remo Stars) – He was watched by the coach in both legs of the CHAN qualifiers you against Ghana and did enough to catch his attention. Now he will need a good performance at the tournament to force his way into the thinking of the 47 year old gaffer.
5. Tolu Arokodare – The lanky forward could be in the team as early March for the world cup qualifiers. Already well known to the coach for his exploits this season in Belgium for Genk. He will no doubt be handed one of the spots available as backup to top striker Victor Osimhen.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
