Eric Chelle omits Nigeria's most experienced player Iwobi, names four members of his inner circle

Manager Eric Chelle has insisted that William Troost-Ekong is still the captain of the Super Eagles ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon's Panthers.

Although the Al-Kholood centre-back holds the title of captain of the national team, his place in the starting lineup is no longer guaranteed.

Wilfred Ndidi captained the team in four of Nigeria's ten World Cup qualifying matches, including fixtures against South Africa, Rwanda and Benin (twice).

Chelle dismissed speculation that the Besiktas midfielder has taken over the armband from Troost-Ekong, who is struggling to reclaim a regular starting spot due to loss of form. 

The Malian football tactician emphasised his trust in Troost-Ekong's leadership while also acknowledging a close group of senior players who form part of his inner circle.

"I never talked about the captain. For me, my captain is William Troost-Ekong, I prefer to say this first," Chelle told Segun Odegbami of Eagle7 103.7 Sports FM, Abeokuta.

"I have a little circle, we can say four or five players, that I turn to when I need to ask something."

Chelle went on to identify the Super Eagles players who make up that leadership group.

"When I want something, the first I ask is William, Moses, Wilfred and Victor Osimhen. If I’m not happy with the group, I talk to these guys. 

"If I want to ask the players questions, I ask them first before I make my decision."

Chelle reiterated that Troost-Ekong remains firmly in charge as captain but hinted that the situation could change ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

"The reality is, first, William Troost-Ekong is my captain. After that, we will see what happens before the AFCON or maybe not."

Paris FC's Moses Simon is the longest-serving member of the current squad, having made his debut in March 2015, three months before William Troost-Ekong earned his first cap, while Alex Iwobi is the most experienced player in the team with 89 appearances, including 74 starts.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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