Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has encountered his first major setback ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

The newly appointed gaffer faces a daunting prospect of qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the team currently on 3 points after four games.

The Super Eagles are currently languishing in 5th position in Group C, trailing behind Benin, South Africa, and Rwanda, who are all tied on seven points.

The herculean task has been aggravated by recent reports from OwnGoalNigeria, indicating that there are only three fit Super Eagles defenders: Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, and Gabriel Osho.

According to the report, other defenders, including Kenneth Omeruo and Semi Ajayi, are nursing injuries.

Chelle may have to consider inviting Rangers' Leon Balogun, who has been out of the team for nearly two years.

Other options the Malian tactician may consider include inviting Jordan Torunarigha or Kevin Akpoguma to fill the void.

However, the good news for Chelle is that Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has fully recovered from his injury and will be ready for the qualifiers next month.