Chelle Bars Journalists, Visitors From Super Eagles Camp Before Zimbabwe Clash
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has barred visitors and journalists from the team’s camp ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that the move was to ensure full concentration as the squad finalises preparations.
“Coach Eric Chelle is not carried away by the win over Rwanda and is demanding maximum focus from the players before the next game. He has imposed restrictions—no visitors, no journalists,” Efoghe stated.
He added that Monday’s training session would be open to the media for only 15 minutes after the official press conference, with a mixed zone interaction scheduled for match day.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s coach, Michael Nees, has urged his players to give their all in the must-win encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Zimbabwe, currently at the bottom of the table, is still searching for its first victory in the qualifiers.
The first leg ended 1-1, while Nigeria secured its first win of the series with a 2-0 triumph over Rwanda in Kigali.
Nees acknowledged Nigeria’s strength but remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
“Benin Republic was strong, but Nigeria has top-class players. They messed up their campaign at the start and are on their third coach now. Their win in Rwanda will give them confidence, but we will also fight to turn our campaign around,” he said.
Zimbabwe winger Tawanda Chirewa echoed his coach’s confidence, insisting that his team has no reason to fear Nigeria.
“Our team has many good players too, so we can’t fear Nigeria,” he said.
The Super Eagles have won two of their three previous World Cup qualifier meetings with Zimbabwe.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
