Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed confidence that Nigeria can still secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite their challenging position in Group C.
After six rounds of qualifiers, the three-time African champions sit fourth with seven points, six adrift of leaders South Africa, who top the table with 13 points. Rwanda and Benin Republic occupy second and third place, respectively, just one point ahead of Nigeria.
Chelle, who replaced Finidi George earlier this year, has overseen two matches so far a 2-0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali and a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo. His immediate predecessors, Jose Peseiro and Finidi, failed to win in their combined four games in charge.
“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that,” Chelle told UK-based Nigerian journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, during the 2024 CHAN tournament in Tanzania. “I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches. I think we are going to surprise a lot of people.”
The Super Eagles will regroup in Uyo on September 1 to begin preparations for the next phase of qualifiers. They are scheduled to host Rwanda on September 6 before travelling to Bloemfontein for a crucial clash with South Africa three days later.
Nigeria will then face Lesotho away and wrap up their campaign at home against Benin Republic in October.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and their group rivals are awaiting FIFA’s verdict on allegations that South Africa fielded an ineligible player during their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March. A points deduction for Bafana Bafana could dramatically alter the group standings and boost the Super Eagles’ qualification chances.
