Eric Chelle, head coach of the Super Eagles, insisted he was simply fulfilling his duties after leaving out regular captain William Troost-Ekong from the starting line-up in Saturday’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
The decision to bench Troost-Ekong, who usually dons the captain’s armband, surprised many fans and pundits ahead of the fixture in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Instead, Chelle opted to start 20-year-old Benjamin Fredrick alongside Calvin Bassey in central defence.
As a result, Wilfred Ndidi assumed the captaincy for the three-time African champions, leading the team out on the pitch. Troost-Ekong was later introduced as a late substitute during the tightly contested match, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Nigeria over the Amavubi.
Speaking to the press after the game, Chelle remained steadfast about his selection choices. “I don’t want to explain myself; this is my choice as a coach, and I respect and believe in all my players,” he stated. “This is my job. If we win, everybody will be happy, and if we don’t, they will complain, but this is my choice.”
The match’s decisive moment came courtesy of Tolu Arokodare, who was named Man of the Match after netting the winning goal. The Wolverhampton Wanderers striker replaced Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka after the interval and scored from a goalmouth scramble on the hour mark.
The 24-year-old forward’s strike marked his second goal in just four appearances for Chelle’s side. Throughout the match, Arokodare’s physical presence and close ball control proved a constant threat to the Rwandan defence.
Looking ahead, Arokodare’s influential performance could prove pivotal as the Super Eagles prepare for their next qualifier against South Africa. With star striker Victor Osimhen facing doubts over his fitness, Chelle may rely heavily on the young forward’s attacking prowess.
The Super Eagles’ narrow victory keeps their qualification hopes alive as they continue their campaign towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
