Super Eagles need commitment to qualify for 2026 World Cup – Eric Chelle

By Olaolu Joseph

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has outlined the key factors that can help the team secure a ticket to the 2026 World Cup, citing commitment as the most critical.

Despite the team’s star-studded status, the three-time African champions risk missing out on the Mundial for the second consecutive time, following a string of poor results in the qualifiers.

Chelle emphasized the need for total commitment and a warrior-like mentality on the pitch.

“We have a crucial objective in September. I saw this period as an opportunity to give several players a chance to prove themselves, and I’m proud of the way they responded. With just two or three training sessions, they gave everything. That’s the reality,” said Chelle, who also spoke on the Eagles’ performance in the Unity Cup, though admitting the team needs to improve.

“We scored goals, created chances, and showed good signs in our overall play. But we still have work to do. There are weaknesses we need to fix. We must grow stronger as a group and as a team, especially if we’re serious about reaching the World Cup.”

Chelle stressed that cohesion and mentality will be the deciding factors.

“What matters most is playing together — in both attack and defence. We have to keep improving, both physically and mentally. We must become true warriors on the pitch.”

With four games remaining in the qualifying series, the Super Eagles will host Rwanda and travel to face South Africa in September, before rounding off their campaign in October with away and home fixtures against Lesotho and Benin Republic, respectively.