Sports

Super Eagles Coach Chelle Begins Squad Overhaul, Targets Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri

Published

2 weeks ago

Mar 31, 2025.

Super Eagles coach Chelle begins squad overhaul after poor World Cup qualifiers.
Travels to London for talks with Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri over a national team switch.
Source confirms Nigeria’s defense and midfield need urgent reinforcement.

Following Nigeria’s disappointing performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has kickstarted plans to revamp the squad ahead of the next round of qualifiers in September.

The restructuring is set to begin this week, with Chelle traveling to London for crucial talks with Arsenal’s 18-year-old midfield sensation, Ethan Nwaneri.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Nwaneri, who has impressed under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, is eligible to represent both England and Nigeria. Despite featuring for England’s youth teams, he has yet to make his senior debut, keeping the possibility of a switch to Nigeria open.

A source close to the Super Eagles camp confirmed to The Guardian that Chelle’s visit is aimed at securing Nwaneri’s commitment to Nigeria’s senior team.

“Chelle will meet with Nwaneri in London this week,” the source revealed. “We are optimistic he will see the benefits of playing for the Super Eagles over the Three Lions.”

The source also highlighted the squad’s weaknesses, particularly in defense and midfield, following Nigeria’s recent 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe.

“The Super Eagles’ central defense needs urgent reinforcement. Even the midfield requires a complete overhaul. Football now belongs to the youth, and the coach must start systematically replacing aging players.”

Super Eagles Coach Chelle Squad

Additionally, the source urged the media to allow Chelle the freedom to build the team without undue interference.

“The media should let the coach do his job, just as Clemens Westerhof was allowed to reshape the Super Eagles in the 1990s. This trend of journalists and social media analysts dictating squad selections before crucial matches must stop—it’s not helping the team.”

Chelle is expected to intensify scouting efforts and player evaluations in the coming months as the Super Eagles look to reclaim their dominance in the World Cup qualifying campaign.