Super Eagles Coach Defies NFF in Squad Selection Battle
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle found himself in a tactical showdown with the Nigeria Football Federation before announcing his 24-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon. The 47-year-old tactician, who guided Nigeria to a second-place finish in CAF qualification Group C with 17 points, insisted on expanding his roster despite federation concerns about costs.
The Behind-the-Scenes Conflict
According to sources within the NFF, the delay in squad announcement stemmed from a fundamental disagreement between Chelle and federation officials. While the NFF pushed for a standard 23-player roster to minimize expenses, the former Mali coach demanded additional personnel, confident that Nigeria would overcome Gabon and advance to face either DR Congo or Cameroon in the next round.
The crucial playoff match against Gabon is scheduled for November 13, with the winner moving one step closer to securing Africa's sole ticket for the intercontinental playoffs. South Africa has already claimed the automatic qualification spot from the group.
Chelle's Strategic Thinking
Chelle's persistence paid off as he ultimately included 24 players in his final selection. The squad composition reflects his tactical approach: eight forwards, five midfielders, eight defenders, and three goalkeepers. Most notably, the coach included defender Semi Ajayi as the 24th player, despite the West Bromwich Albion defender being suspended for the upcoming Gabon clash.
"Coach Eric Chelle submitted his squad much earlier and we were about to name the squad before Gabon," revealed an NFF official. "The issue was that Chelle demanded for a bigger squad, while the NFF wanted the coach to only call up 23 players to save cost."
The coach argued that having more than the usual 23 players would provide crucial insurance against potential injuries and fatigue, especially with the possibility of two critical matches occurring within a short timeframe.
Expert Support for Chelle's Decision
Nigerian sports journalist Arinzechi Chukwunonso has publicly backed Chelle's decision to expand the squad. In exclusive comments, Chukwunonso praised the coach's forward-thinking approach and confidence.
"I like the confidence of Eric Chelle; he knows what he wants and the Nigeria Football Federation must help him succeed," Chukwunonso stated. "The addition made by the Super Eagles coach is a welcome idea and he is thinking two steps ahead of the NFF officials."
The inclusion of Semi Ajayi, despite his suspension, demonstrates Chelle's long-term planning and trust in the defender. Ajayi has emerged as one of Nigeria's most reliable defensive options since his debut, stepping up impressively in the final two qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic when he replaced captain William Troost-Ekong.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their must-win encounter against Gabon, Chelle's determination to secure his preferred squad composition highlights the high stakes involved in Nigeria's quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
