Not business as usual: Eric Chelle bars visitors, journalists from Super Eagles camp pre-Zimbabwe

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has enforced strict measures to ensure maximum concentration among his players ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe on Tuesday.  

Following Nigeria's 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, the Malian tactician has emphasized the need for undivided focus as the team aims to strengthen its qualification hopes.

According to the team's Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, Chelle has imposed restrictions on movement around the camp, barring visitors and journalists from direct access to the players.  

"The Eagles are back home and have started preparing for Tuesday's fixture. Coach Eric Chelle is not carried away by the win over Rwanda and is demanding maximum concentration from the players prior to the next game," Efoghe stated.

"To this end, he has imposed restrictions in and around the team's camp, no visitors, no journalists."  

Under the leadership of Gernot Rohr, José Peseiro and Augustine Eguavoen, the Super Eagles' training sessions were occasionally made accessible to fans, with specific days allocated for media interactions involving players, journalists and content creators.

Regarding preparations, Efoghe disclosed that the team would undergo two training sessions on Sunday, both behind closed doors.

Meanwhile, Monday's session will be partially accessible to the media for 15 minutes, following the official pre-match press conference.  

"Sunday's training is closed. Monday's session will be opened for the mandatory 15 minutes and this will be shortly after the official press conference.

"Provisions will be made for mixed zone interaction with the players on match day," he concluded.

The Super Eagles, currently fourth in their qualification group with six points from five matches, will be seeking another vital win when they face Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening.

Adeyemi Adewale

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