Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Austine Eguavoen, has praised Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle’s formation against Rwanda in Friday night’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Eguavoen said he liked how Chelle set up his team against Rwanda, particularly in the opening minutes of the match.
According to him, he was not surprised to see Chelle deploy Samuel Chukwueze behind two forwards, adding that the AC Milan winger is also capable defensively.
Recall that Victor Osimhen’s brace secured all three points for Nigeria against the hosts in Kigali.
Chelle’s side will now face Zimbabwe in their next match in Uyo on Tuesday.
“I liked what I saw, particularly the way they started the game with a formation that had Samuel Chukwueze playing behind the two forwards, Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon. I wouldn’t say I am surprised because it’s something I know he can do,” Eguavoen said in an interview with Canada-based Nigerian journalist Wale Ajayi.
“The good thing is that we won, and now we have to switch our focus to the game against Zimbabwe, especially after South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho. We will stay focused and not get carried away with this result in Kigali.”
Eguavoen was the immediate past interim coach of the Super Eagles.
The former Nigeria international was replaced by Chelle in January.
