Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director Augustine Eguavoen has backed Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle’s latest selection, praising the combination of emerging players and established internationals ahead of a demanding international window.
Nigeria will open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later. Chelle has also selected a largely experimental squad for the October 6 friendly against Russia.
The AFCON squad reflects a gradual transition, with newcomers Isaac James, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor joining an established core that includes captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Ola Aina.
Eguavoen believes that balance is important as Nigeria attempt to develop another generation without abandoning the experience already within the team.
“The balance is right,” Eguavoen said, giving his approval to Chelle’s decision to combine youth with experience.
The former Super Eagles coach has also praised the stability Chelle has brought to the national team, with Nigeria retaining much of the core that finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Chelle’s tenure has provided greater coaching continuity following a period in which the senior national team went through several changes on the technical bench.
Eguavoen has previously stressed that while the NFF technical department can advise the Super Eagles coach on player matters, final selection decisions remain Chelle’s responsibility.
“We can only advise him; we cannot force players on him,” Eguavoen said earlier this year while discussing national-team selections.
The separate squad for Russia takes Chelle’s experimentation further, allowing several younger and less established players to enter the senior team picture.
For Eguavoen, the direction is encouraging: maintain the experienced backbone of the Super Eagles while gradually creating room for the players expected to carry Nigeria into the future.
