Chelle Reveals His Inner Circle, Reaffirms Troost-Ekong as Super Eagles Captain

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has made it clear that leadership and communication will remain at the heart of his management style as he prepares Nigeria for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon in November.

Speaking in an interview with former Nigerian international Segun Odegbami on Eagle7 103.7 FM, Chelle revealed that he relies on a trusted core of players when making crucial decisions about the team.

“I never talked about the captain. For me, my captain is William Troost-Ekong. I prefer to say this first,” Chelle stated firmly.

“I’ve a little circle — we can say four players — that I turn to when I need to ask something. When I want something, the first person I ask is William, Moses, Wilfred, and Osimhen. If I am not happy with the group, I talk to these guys first before I make my decision.”

The revelation highlights Chelle’s emphasis on unity and shared responsibility, blending the voices of experience and influence within the squad. His “inner circle” — consisting of Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon, Wilfred Ndidi, and Victor Osimhen — reflects a thoughtful balance across defence, midfield, and attack.

Chelle, who took over from interim coach Austin Eguavoen, has already begun to win over fans with his calm authority and clear communication. His decision to reaffirm Troost-Ekong as captain also sends a strong signal of stability and respect for hierarchy — something the Super Eagles have occasionally struggled with in past transitions.

Opinion: A Smart Move for Team Cohesion

Chelle’s leadership approach is both refreshing and strategic. By involving senior players in decision-making, he’s building a culture of trust and accountability — a crucial ingredient for success at the highest level. It also shows emotional intelligence — an understanding that great teams are not just built on tactics but on unity and respect.

With a World Cup playoff on the horizon, this blend of shared leadership could be the secret weapon Nigeria needs. If Chelle can continue to foster this bond, the Super Eagles might not just soar — they could dominate the skies of African football once again.