2026 WCQ: Eguavoen denies influencing Chelle on players’ selection
Technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Augustine Eguavoen has debunked reports of interference in Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle squad selection for the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Eric pruned his large provisional squad for both games to 23 on Tuesday.
Notable omissions include Ahmed Musa, Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Iheanacho and Zaidu Sanusi.
Eguavoen said that Chelle is in total control of the team and have the responsibility of picking his players.
The former defender further declared that the Malian took his time before coming up with the list.
“I want Nigerians to get clarity on something, I’ve been technical director for a few years and I have attended FIFA workshops where I ask questions a lot and they made it clear to me that a senior national team coach anywhere in the world has a final say on who he wants on his list.
“We can interact, we cannot interfere. If he says no, it’s no. That is why they can fire a senior national team coach at any time. So I will say Eric Chelle took his time to prepare this list and he has the final say,” Eguavoen told SuperSport.
The Super Eagles will open camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Amavubi of Rwanda on Sunday.
The three-time African champions will face Adel Amrouche’s side at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali next week Friday.
They will host Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Tuesday, March 25.
2026 WCQ: Eguavoen denies influencing Chelle on players’ selection
