Battle of Kigali: We want to defeat Rwanda for Nigerians – Chelle

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has affirmed that his team is fully committed to winning today’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.  Speaking at a press conference, the Malian tactician emphasized the players’ dedication and determination.  “I want my guys focused on only this game now, and after that, we will see the […]

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has affirmed that his team is fully committed to winning today’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. 

Speaking at a press conference, the Malian tactician emphasized the players’ dedication and determination. 

“I want my guys focused on only this game now, and after that, we will see the other game. They are training hard and want the Nigerian people to be proud of them. I just want to win the game because the country needs this win,” Chelle said. 

Echoing his coach’s sentiments, captain William Ekong expressed the team’s unity and readiness to secure victory. 

“I am not going to tell you our tactics. All I can say is we have new ideas. When we have a new manager, we want to give our best. There is a new level of focus, and we respect the coach a lot. It is a work in progress. 

“Our first game with him will be a test right away. I have full confidence in the team, and the team has full confidence in the coach.

“It is left for us to do the job against Rwanda. They are ahead of us in the qualification. We can’t change the past, but we have the chance to do better,” he said. 

Franco-Malian coach Éric Sékou Chelle will lead the Super Eagles for the first time at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, aiming to reignite the team’s World Cup qualification hopes and secure the only automatic ticket from Group C to next summer’s tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.