Super Eagles coach confident of World Cup qualification

By Tosin Omojola –

Despite growing uncertainty over Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has remained optimistic, insisting that his team will not give up.

The Super Eagles failed to secure maximum points against group leaders South Africa on Tuesday in Bloemfontein, with a 1-1 draw further reducing their chances of qualification.

Nigeria currently sit in third place in Group C with 11 points from eight matches. South Africa lead the group with 17 points, while Benin Republic occupy second place with 14 points.

The result has sparked frustration among Nigerian fans, many of whom have expressed disappointment with the players and all but written off the team’s chances of qualifying. However, Chelle refused to criticise his squad, instead praising their effort in what he described as a difficult away fixture.

“We tried. The players gave everything to win. It’s difficult to come here and expect a victory because this team is very good — their wingers are very fast and the striker holds the ball well,” he said.

“During this game, for just 10 seconds, we were not in a good position and they punished us. After that, we came back into the game because the players had the right mentality to fight and score. But South Africa is a good team.”

Chelle admitted that the draw leaves Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, with Lesotho and Benin Republic still to come, and their chances now dependent on Bafana Bafana dropping points against either Zimbabwe or Rwanda.

“My players are professionals, and I know they will still want to win the remaining two games,” the Malian coach said. “A lot can happen in the next month. But first, we have to analyse our performance tonight, which will not be easy.”