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New Super Eagles Coach Chelle to Meet with Key Players Osimhen, Lookman, and Others

Eric Chelle | CAF Online

The newly appointed coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, is set to meet with several key players of the national team, including star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, ahead of the upcoming international fixtures. This move is seen as part of Chelle’s strategy to forge strong relationships with his squad and to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Chelle, who was recently unveiled by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja, has planned a European tour to engage with some of the top Nigerian talents playing abroad. According to reports, the French-Malian coach will first visit Moses Simon in France, followed by a meeting with Victor Osimhen, currently playing for Galatasaray in Turkey. He is also expected to meet with other Super Eagles stars in England and Germany, signaling his intent to personally connect with his players before the team’s next gathering.

The 47-year-old coach, known for his tactical acumen during his tenure with Mali’s national team, has expressed his commitment to dialogue and mutual progression with the players. “I will come with a lot of humility, but once again, I have a lot of certainties. It is a dialogue that we will have to establish between us,” Chelle stated, underscoring his philosophy of teamwork and shared growth.

The meetings come at a crucial time as Nigeria aims to rejuvenate its squad after a mixed performance in recent international competitions. Osimhen, who has been in phenomenal form, scoring goals for both club and country, and Lookman, the CAF Player of the Year, are central to Chelle’s plans. Lookman’s recent achievements have seen him linked with several top European clubs, highlighting his importance not just to club football but also to the Super Eagles.

Chelle’s agenda also includes discussions with players like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey, all of whom are pivotal to Nigeria’s strategy. His visit to Europe before the end of January underscores the urgency to align with his players’ current form, mindset, and availability, especially with the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on the horizon, where he will also have a supervisory role with the home-based Eagles.

The NFF has high expectations from Chelle, having signed him to a two-year contract with an option for an additional year. His primary mandate is to guide Nigeria to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, and these meetings are seen as the first steps towards that goal.

As Chelle embarks on this European tour, all eyes will be on how these interactions will translate into on-field performance for the Super Eagles, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcomes of these crucial encounters.

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