Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, is optimistic about Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Footynaija.com reports.
The retired Nigerian centre back believes that, with Chelle, the new teamʼs coach, the players will be motivated to show their best performances.
The Super Eagles are set to face Rwanda on March 17 in Kigali, followed by a home match against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 24. These matches are a must-win, as Nigeria currently stands fifth in Group C with three points from four games, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin, who each have seven points.
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Only the group winners secure an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup, while the four best runners-up enter continental playoffs for a potential additional berth. With the stakes hanging in the balance, Nigeria cannot afford any slip-ups at this point.
Nigeria’s current position in the group is nothing short of disappointing. The upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe will not only test the team’s character, they will also be a chance for the new coach, Chelle, to make his mark. And if new-manager’s bounce is a thing, Yobo is counting on it to be an added advantage for the Super Eagles.
“This is what often happens in clubs with new coaches,” Yobo said as per ScoreNigeria. “So, I expect the Super Eagles to be at their best.”
“There’s a new coach for the Super Eagles, and I expect the players to be on top of their game to prove to him they are good enough to play for Nigeria,” Yobo stated. He emphasized that a new coach often brings renewed energy, pushing players to perform well.
Yobo also called for full support for the newly appointed head coach, Eric Chelle. “He has been appointed as the Super Eagles coach, and we should give him maximum support,” Yobo urged.
Chelle, a 47-year-old former Mali international, was unveiled as Nigeria’s head coach in January 2025. He previously led Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and is known for his focus on youth development and attacking football.
Some Nigerians, however, have different opinions about Chelleʼs appointment. One of those is Alhaji Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe, a football stakeholder and one-time Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association. He questioned the experience of the Malian, referring to him as “kindergarten coach.”
Yobo does not share this view. On the contrary, he believes in Chelleʼs experience and knowledge of African football. “As former coach of Mali, he has the experience and knowledge of African football and we will be playing against African teams not England,” he said.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also remains optimistic that he can transform the Super Eagles. They have described his hiring as a “new dawn” for Nigerian football.
Chelle himself has expressed admiration for Nigerian football legends like Christian Chukwu, Victor Ikpeba, and Daniel Amokachi. He plans to get the team to play exciting football—attacking, scoring lots of goals. “I love scoring goals. My teams are never lacking in goals, and the Super Eagles will be no exception—we will score goals,” Chelle said.
