Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has insisted that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite a rocky start to the qualifiers.
Eric Chelle, who is Malian, appears to have moved on from the frustration of a recent draw with Zimbabwe.
Now, his focus is on the games ahead and how the three-time African champions can still secure a spot at the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Since taking charge, the 47-year-old has laid out a clear path to qualification.
Nigeria failed to win any of their first four games before Chelle stepped in, but he gave the team a boost by leading them to a 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali.
However, the draw with Zimbabwe has made things tougher. Nigeria is now six points behind group leaders South Africa, who are aiming for their first World Cup appearance since 2010.
With only four matches left, the Super Eagles must win all of them and hope their rivals drop points along the way.
Chelle pointed out that the match against South Africa will be a turning point, but before that, the team must focus on beating Rwanda at home.
“It’s an obligation to win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo,” Chelle said, according to Channels TV.
“South Africa are a good side, but for that game, we cannot afford to let them play. First, we have to beat Rwanda at home, then we will focus on South Africa.”
Nigeria is set to play Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on September 3, followed by a crucial away game against South Africa on September 7.
To stay in the race for a World Cup spot, the Super Eagles will need to be at their absolute best.
Ahead of those fixtures, the Nigeria Football Federation is lining up several friendly games. One of them is expected to be against FIFA-suspended Russia in June.
There are also reports that Nigeria will participate in a four-nation tournament called “The Unity Cup” in June, featuring Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.
However, the NFF hasn’t officially confirmed the schedule yet but is expected to make an announcement soon.
KanyiDaily recalls that in January, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has named Éric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.
