Thursday, June 4, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Chelle explains Onuachu’s snub for playoff

eric-chelle-eagles-coach

Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle says he is sorry for not including Paul Onuachu in his final list of players for the World Cup qualifiers playoff, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Onuachu has scored more goals than any other Nigerian striker this season with 8 goals in 12 league games for Turkish side, Trabzonspor. A tally that saw him makes it to the provisional list of players for the mini tournament in Morocco.

However he wasn’t in the final 24-man list with Chelle going with the trio of Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare and Jerome Akor in attack.

His exclusion stirred up a lot of debates and Chelle in an exclusive chat at the team’s hotel in Morocco explained the reason behind the omission of the 31 year old, and sent his apology.

“I can pick everyone in my team at the moment. There is a number, which is 24 and I am sorry for leaving out the striker (Onuachu) who has done well. It’s part of our job to make uncomfortable decisions but I am confident in working with the group I have had for some time”, the coach said.