Super Eagles Shake-Up: Eric Chelle Drops Stanley Nwabali Ahead of March International Friendlies!

Super Eagles Shake-Up: Eric Chelle Drops Stanley Nwabali Ahead of March International Friendlies!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa

Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, is set for a notable squad adjustment after head coach Eric Chelle reportedly omitted first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from his plans for the upcoming March international window.

According to reports first published by OwnGoalNigeria, Chelle has decided to move in a different direction as preparations intensify for the team’s next round of friendly matches. The development signals a potential shift in the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping hierarchy as the technical crew evaluates options ahead of future competitive fixtures.

Coaching Decisions and Tactical Review
Sources close to the team indicate that Chelle’s decision is part of a broader technical review rather than a confirmed long-term exclusion. The Franco-Malian tactician, who has been assessing the squad since taking charge, is understood to be keen on testing alternative goalkeeping options during the March friendlies.

Nwabali, who has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s recent campaigns, rose to national prominence following his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence from the upcoming fixtures is therefore likely to attract significant attention among supporters and analysts.

What This Means for the Super Eagles
While no official squad list has been publicly released by the Nigeria Football Federation, insiders suggest the technical crew is prioritizing squad depth and competition for places. Friendly matches traditionally provide an opportunity for experimentation, and Chelle appears poised to use the window to broaden his evaluation pool.

Football observers note that goalkeeper rotations during non-competitive windows are not uncommon, particularly as Nigeria builds toward crucial qualifiers and tournaments on the continental and global stage.

Awaiting Official Confirmation
As of press time, neither the Nigeria Football Federation nor Chelle has issued a formal statement confirming the omission. Stakeholders are therefore awaiting the official squad announcement, which will clarify whether the move is temporary or signals a longer-term change in selection policy.

Sele Media Africa will continue to monitor developments around the Super Eagles camp and provide verified updates as they emerge.

Sources: OwnGoalNigeria, Punch Newspapers, Premium Times, ESPN Africa

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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