The tension in the Nigeria camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign remains thick, but Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is staying calm — and confident.
With two games left to decide the group, the former Mali boss believes the path to qualification is still wide open after South Africa’s recent stumble.
Super Eagles turn focus to Lesotho test
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes somehow flickered back to life. Speaking ahead of the Super Eagles’ crucial clash with Lesotho, Chelle insisted his belief in the team has never wavered—not since the day he took charge.
“I need to be very clear with you. When I signed in January, it was for the World Cup, you know, and from the first day until now, I always think that we can go to the World Cup, even if anything happens,” he told sports journalist Mighty George.
While the campaign started with mixed results, the team’s performance so far has kept them within striking distance.
With South Africa dropping crucial points, the group dynamics have shifted — suddenly, qualification feels possible again.
The coach made it clear that he’s shutting out all distractions. His eyes are on one thing: beating Lesotho.
“This is football. So now we have two games, and our only thinking is this game — Lesotho — win this game,” Chelle stressed.
Nigeria’s technical team has worked tirelessly to rebuild rhythm and consistency after a turbulent start to the qualifiers.
The squad, stacked with attacking talent and experience, looks determined to respond. Chelle’s message? Stay grounded, stay focused, and trust the plan.
“The only thing that we need to think about is the group, the players, the game project, the plan project, the game plan, and then our philosophy—and especially our state of mind,” he added.
For Chelle, the mathematics can wait. What matters is execution — and belief.
Eric Chelle: “Everybody thought South Africa would go to the World Cup”
Asked about the unpredictable nature of Group C, Chelle gave an answer that resonated far beyond the press room.
“Everybody in this group thought that South Africa would go to the World Cup. So now they dropped three points, and now everybody can go to the World Cup,” he said.
And as it stands, no team is actually in safe land. In African football, momentum swings quickly, and Chelle knows it.
“Anything can happen during the game — because of the weather, because of the referee, because of anything, because of injury. So we need to stay focused on what we want for this game. We want to have this victory. And after, there will be another game. So for sure.”
Leave a comment