Super Eagles Captain Troost-Ekong Expresses Confidence in Coach Chelle’s Tactical Prowess Ahead of Rwanda Clash
As the Super Eagles gear up for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday, captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed the team’s firm confidence in newly-appointed head coach Eric Chelle. The encounter, set to take place at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, will mark Chelle’s first official game leading the Nigerian squad.
Chelle, who took over the reins in January, has the task of revitalizing a struggling Super Eagles side that is yet to record a win in the qualifiers. His appointment has generated significant excitement and curiosity among fans eager to see if the Malian tactician can turn the team’s fortune around.
Troost-Ekong’s Vote of Confidence
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Troost-Ekong emphasized that the players are highly motivated and determined to deliver a positive result.
“We have new ideas, and whenever you have a new manager, it’s always a situation where players want to prove themselves to the coach—they want to give their best,” the center-back stated.
“There is a new level of focus. All the players respect the coach very much. We’ve seen what he achieved with his previous team, and, like I said, we are trying to understand as quickly as we can in three training sessions what he expects from us.”
The Challenge Ahead
It’s a bold statement from the captain, but the reality remains that the Super Eagles are yet to find their groove in the qualifiers. The clash against Rwanda presents a massive test for Chelle to showcase his tactical prowess and deliver the much-needed victory.
Troost-Ekong acknowledges that the journey won’t be an easy one but remains optimistic about the team’s prospects.
“It’s a work in progress, and hopefully, it will be a continuous growth. This first game will be a test straight away, even this early in our time working together,” he admitted.
“Like I said, I have full confidence in the team, the team has confidence in the coach, and it’s left for us to execute and do the job. I know Rwanda will be in a similar situation—they will be motivated to impress their new coach.”
Opinion: Can Eric Chelle Reignite the Super Eagles’ Fire?
Troost-Ekong’s remarks suggest that the players are buying into Chelle’s vision, but will that be enough to get the Super Eagles’ campaign back on track? Football is a game of tactics, execution, and momentum. Chelle has only had three training sessions with his new squad, which is far from ideal.
However, the belief within the camp is evident, and that’s a positive sign. If Chelle’s tactics can effectively harness the talents of his players, the Super Eagles may well be on their way to securing their first win in the qualifiers.
The match against Rwanda is more than just another qualifier—it’s a litmus test for the Chelle era. Can he inspire the Super Eagles to soar once again? Fans are eagerly waiting to find out.
