Elijah cautions NFF: Stay out of team selection, urges commitment from Super Eagles players

Former Super Eagles defender Sam Elijah has cautioned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) against interfering with the selection and decisions of head coach Eric Chelle ahead of Nigeria's crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

In an interview with allnigeriasoccer, Elijah expressed confidence in the Super Eagles' ability to secure victories in both Kigali and Uyo but warned that external interference from the football governing body could hinder the team's progress.

"To be sincere with you, we do not have any problem as long as we get it right. If there is no interference from the NFF chiefs," Elijah told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"The coach may need to listen to opinions because they must have seen the training of some of the players."

He further emphasized the importance of fair selection, insisting that Nigeria has the necessary quality to win both fixtures.

"To be fair in the selection, we also have the materials, and nothing should be stopping us from winning both home and away."

Elijah also called on the players to show commitment and understand the significance of the upcoming matches in their quest for World Cup qualification.

"If we are ready, if the boys know what's at stake, and know why the matches are very important to us, we will win those two matches. I don't have anything to say about it," he added.

Currently sitting fifth in their qualification group, Nigeria faces a daunting task in securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Having missed out on the last edition in Qatar, the Super Eagles must secure maximum points in their upcoming games to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Adeyemi Adewale

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