Nigeria: Eric Chelle’s new-look Super Eagles wins approval ahead of AFCON 2027Q

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has praised head coach Éric Chelle for giving new players a chance with the Super Eagles, Afrik-Foot reports.

Lawal, a member of the Nigeria Dream Team that won gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games, says the move could help rebuild the team after recent disappointments.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and attention has now shifted towards preparing for future competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the long-term goal of the 2030 World Cup.

This transition period offers a perfect opportunity to refresh the squad with younger and hungrier players, according to Lawal.

Speaking about Chelle’s recent squad decisions, the former Roda JC midfielder welcomed the inclusion of fresh faces during the friendly matches against Iran and Jordan in March 2026.

“The coach (Eric Chelle) decided to bring new faces in the team which is good. We aren’t going to the World Cup, we are just preparing for the 2027 AFCON,” Lawal told Brila.

Chelle handed debuts to players such as Emmanuel Fernandez, who made an immediate impact by scoring in his first start, as well as Collins Yira Sor and Philip Otele. There was also a late call-up for Chibuike Nwaiwu, who impressed on his debut after replacing an injured Calvin Bassey.

Lawal believes these matches, played in Turkey, were more than just routine friendlies. Instead, he sees them as important building blocks for the team’s future. The Super Eagles are also scheduled to face Poland and Portugal in the summer while a face-off against Zimbabwe and either Jamaica or India await at the invitational Unity Cup.

“It’s good we are already preparing for next year’s AFCON, those friendlies are quality matches, you can’t underestimate them,” Lawal added.

“They are also coming up in football, there is no easy matches I believe those are four friendlies plus another two again so I think it’s a good one.”

Eric Chelle: Building for the future with young talent

Lawal also stressed that Chelle must continue to look ahead by introducing more young players into the squad, especially now that there is no immediate pressure of World Cup qualification.

“As a coach (Eric Chelle) you start building now, since we aren’t going to the World Cup because you say you don’t have the time now you have time to call the new faces you think can improve the team.

“Some of these players are 28, 29, 30, so if you want to build a team it’s now you should start bringing young players who are 21 and 22.”

This approach is already visible in Chelle’s selections. Younger players like Nwaiwu, Fernandez, and Sor are all expected to be in their late twenties by the time the 2030 World Cup begins, placing them right in their prime years.

The coach has also shown similar intent in previous squads, handing opportunities to emerging talents such as Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi, and Usman Muhammed. These players were brought in to add energy and fresh ideas to the midfield following Nigeria’s struggles in the World Cup qualifiers.

Rather than relying on ageing players, the focus is now shifting towards building a younger, more dynamic team that can grow together.

If managed well, this transition could give Nigeria a stronger, more balanced squad ready to compete for continental honours in 2027 and mount a serious challenge for qualification ahead of the 2030 World Cup.