By Korede James
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has praised his team’s performance in the 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday.
Chelle got his reign as new Super Eagles coach off to a winning start as Victor Osimhen scored both goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at a packed Amahoro Stadium.
It was the first victory in the World Cup qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up, who had drawn three of their previous four matches.
“It was a difficult game, Rwanda has a great team. I am proud of my players’ performance,” Chelle said in his post-match press conference.
“We worked a lot within the few days. We had just two full training sessions. We kept the ball in the second half, good performance from my players.
“It is my joy to set up the system and we tried two different systems in the team. We need to improve, it is the first game and we are going back to work for the second game.”
On the performance of Rwanda, Chelle said: “I won’t criticise the Rwandan team and talk about them. My job is to talk about my team.”
The Super Eagles are now fourth in African qualifying Group C with six points, one behind Rwanda and four adrift of new leaders South Africa, who moved to top spot after a 2-0 win against Lesotho also on Friday.
Chelle’s next assignment is in Uyo on Tuesday, when the Super Eagles face Zimbabwe.
