Nigeria conducted a closed-door training session on Sunday as preparations intensify for their matchday 6 Group C clash against Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Unlike previous training routines under coaches like Gernot Rohr and José Peseiro, where journalists had occasional access, head coach Eric Chelle has implemented strict restrictions at the team’s camp.
Media presence and visitors have been barred to maintain full focus ahead of Tuesday’s fixture.
Chelle Tightens Control Over Camp
Speaking on the decision, team Media Officer Promise Efoghe emphasized that Chelle is prioritizing complete concentration.
“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 said.
“To this end, he has imposed restrictions in and around the team’s camp, no visitors, no journalists.”
The Super Eagles arrived in Uyo on Saturday, with Zimbabwe’s squad landing just a few hours later at Victor Attah International Airport.
Training Schedule and Media Access
The squad had two training sessions on Sunday, conducted in private. Monday’s session will also remain largely restricted, but the media will be granted 15 minutes of access after 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.”
Super Eagles Push for Momentum
Nigeria heads into this encounter looking to build on their 2-0 win over Rwanda, their first victory in the qualifiers after a frustrating start with three draws and a defeat.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe remains winless in the group, with three draws and two losses. Their last outing saw them fight back from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Benin.
The first-leg meeting between Nigeria and Zimbabwe ended in a 1-1 draw, with Kelechi Iheanacho rescuing a point for the Super Eagles.
Currently, Nigeria sits fourth in Group C with six points, while Zimbabwe is bottom with three. The Warriors are also looking to end a long winless run against Nigeria, with their last victory coming in 1981.
With just a handful of games left in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles know that anything short of three points in Uyo could hurt their cha
