Austin Eguavoen, Technical Director of the NFF has denied suggestions that head coach Eric Chelle did not have full control over selecting Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
On Tuesday afternoon, new head coach Chelle announced his 23-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
However, the announcement did not go well, with some fans who have questioned some unexpected inclusions and omissions.
Fingers have been pointed to the former Super Eagles interim coach for interfering in the selection process.
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Musa has declared full support for Super Eagles ahead of World Cup qualifiers.
 "‘I want Nigerians to get clarity’ - Eguavoen clears the air on getting involved in Chelle’s Super Eagles selection 2")
Chelle has announced his final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Eguavoen denies reports
Eguavoen affirmed that the NFF’s technical committee did not interfere in the team selection process, and the new coach had full independence in choosing the team.
Austin Eguavoen, Technical Director of the NFF || Imago
According to reports from the Punch, Eguavoen said, “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 the 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.”
New Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during his unveiling in Abuja | Credit: X(@NFF)
The national team coach has the final say on squad selection, explained Eguavoen, who briefly led Nigeria’s national team as interim coach prior to Chelle’s appointment.
The Nigerian national team’s qualification hopes now hinge on upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe on March 21st and 25th, respectively.
They must secure two victories to maintain a strong chance of reaching the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Anything less could jeopardize their participation.
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