Enitan Obadina and Timothy Dehinbo

For Nigeria Super Eagles fans, March is make-or-break. The road to the 2026 World Cup resumes with back-to-back qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe on March 21 and 25—games Nigeria simply has to win. Anything less could spell doom and dent the hopes of being at next year’s Mundial.

On Tuesday, Eric Chelle’s first Eagles list was released with a provisional 39-man squad. It will be trimmed down in the coming days, but already, there’s plenty to dissect. Have the right players make the cut? Are there surprises? Does this squad inspire confidence?

Veteran journalist Enitan Obadina and football writer Timothy Dehinbo take a deep dive into Chelle’s selection and analyze what it all means for Nigeria’s chances of taking six points from six this month.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s Selection—What’s the Thinking Behind It?

For national team squad selections, familiarity can be a factor. Coaches often lean on players who have been part of the setup, even when the club form isn’t ideal. But at what point does that loyalty become difficult to justify?

Kelechi Iheanacho’s inclusion in Nigeria’s provisional squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe feels like one of those selections that invite scrutiny. The 27-year-old has struggled for rhythm this season. After leaving Leicester City for Sevilla last summer, there was hope that he would rediscover his spark. Instead, his time in Spain was underwhelming—nine La Liga appearances, five starts, no goals. His only real contribution came in the Copa del Rey, where he scored three times in two games before moving on loan to Middlesbrough in January. Since arriving in England, he’s played four games, started three, and is yet to score.

So why is he here?

Is it a case of trust in his ability to perform despite his struggles? Do the coaching staff see something beyond the numbers? Or is this another selection that raises familiar questions fans ask about how decisions?

Whatever the reason, it’s a talking point—and one that won’t go away anytime soon.

Eric Chelle’s First Eagles Squad: The Choice of NPFL Players

Over the past few days, Eric Chelle has been a noticeable presence in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The Super Eagles head coach was in attendance for Ikorodu City’s clash with Plateau United, watched Remo Stars take on Kwara United, and most recently, was at the Sani Abacha Stadium for Sunday’s meeting between Kano Pillars and Rangers.

Since taking charge, Eric Chelle has actively engaged with Nigeria’s domestic football scene.

Immediately after his unveiling, he traveled to Ikenne to observe the Super Eagles B camp, gaining first-hand insight into the setup and assessing the talent available on the home front.

Eric Chelle has called up Remo Stars’ Kayode Bankole, who has kept four clean sheets in eight games.

It’s a decision that will spark debate, with some feeling Enyimba’s Ani Ozoemena or Shooting Stars’ Mustapha Lawal were more deserving.

But experience within the setup may have been a deciding factor—Bankole was Nigeria’s No.1 during the Super Eagles B’s CHAN qualifier against Ghana in December, and that familiarity might have worked in his favor.

In defense, calling up Rangers International center-back Ifeanyi Onyebuchi is a decision that feels entirely justified.

He has been a rock at the back for the league champions, contributing to their impressive defensive record with a string of assured performances.

Given his form, there’s little room for debate—this is a call-up he has earned.

Papa Daniel has been a standout for Niger Tornadoes this season, with 4 goals and 3 assists to his name.

His contributions have been vital, showcasing his quality and consistency.

His impressive performances for the Super Eagles B during the CHAN qualifiers in December further underline his credentials, making his call-up well-deserved.

Eric Chelle’s First Eagles Squad: Captain Ahmed Musa Returns

The name Ahmed Musa has reappeared on the Super Eagles list. The first-choice captain of the team, often at the center of debates on whether he should still feature in the squad, has been in decent form for Kano Pillars this season.

With his experience and recent performances justifying the call-up, could this be the moment to inject much-needed leadership and know-how into the current squad?

A Case Of First Timers

Chelle invited seven new players in his list with rising stars Tolu Arokodare and Christantus Uche topping the list.

Arokodare is getting an invite on the back of top performance: 21 goals and assist so far in the Jupiler Liga while Uche is having an impressive debut in the Spanish Laliga.

A surprise on the list is Anthony Dennis of Gotzepe in Turkey.

Dennis made the move to Europe in 2023 from FC Abuja Academy and got fast-tracked to the main team in 2024.

Since his performance at the U20 World Cup in Argentina, Nigerians have believed Igoh Ogbu has a future as a Super Eagles defender, and his time is now.

The defender is coming into a problematic position in the team and stands a chance of making it permanent, but will he grab it?

With Chelle’s 39 first list out and a further trimming to 23 players later, is the list a hit or miss for you?