Eric Chelle Returns to Nigeria as AFCON Preparations Intensify
Eric Chelle is back in Nigeria as the Super Eagles step up preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with the Franco-Malian coach also continuing his search for young players who could form part of the country’s Olympic setup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Chelle was spotted at the ongoing CAF A Coaching Course in Abuja, where he joined other coaches and football stakeholders participating in the programme.
His return comes at an important stage for the Super Eagles, who are preparing for their upcoming AFCON qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Beyond his responsibilities with the senior national team, Chelle is also working on the development of the Olympic Eagles as Nigeria begins preparations for the 2028 Olympic football qualifying campaign.
The coach is expected to visit an NPFL venue this week as he continues his domestic scouting programme, providing another opportunity to assess promising U-23 players competing in the Nigerian league.
Chelle has consistently stressed the importance of keeping a close eye on the domestic scene as he looks to identify players capable of making the transition to international football.
His scouting programme comes as he prepares to build a wider pool of options for the Olympic Eagles, with overseas-based players also being monitored ahead of the qualifying campaign.
The proposed October 6 friendly against Russia is expected to form part of Chelle’s assessment process, with a largely U-23 squad reportedly being considered for the fixture.
The arrangement would allow the established Super Eagles players to concentrate on the AFCON qualifiers while Chelle assesses younger talents who could have a role in Nigeria’s longer-term plans.
The coach’s presence at NPFL matches could therefore provide an important pathway for home-based players to attract national-team attention alongside their counterparts playing abroad.
With Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers approaching and Olympic preparations gathering momentum, Chelle’s return to the country is expected to intensify both assignments as he works on the immediate needs of the Super Eagles while building the next generation of national-team players.
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