Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico despite their difficult position in Group C.
After six matches, Nigeria sit fourth in the group with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six points.
Chelle has managed two wins in his six games in charge, including a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali and a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo. His predecessors, Jose Peseiro and Finidi George, had failed to register wins in their respective games.
Despite Nigeria’s shaky standings, Chelle believes the Super Eagles can still turn things around.
“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that. We need to take it game by game, win the next match, and then move on to the next,” Chelle told The New Times.
“I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches. I think we are going to surprise a lot of people.”
Nigeria will regroup in Uyo on September 1 ahead of two crucial fixtures: hosting Rwanda on September 6 before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa three days later. Their final two qualifiers will be against Lesotho (away) and Benin (home) in October.
Currently, Rwanda and Benin sit above Nigeria with eight points each, while South Africa could potentially face a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, a development that could reshape the group standings.
