Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress since taking charge, while reiterating his determination to lead Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after sealing a playoff spot in dramatic fashion, Bold Sports reports.
The Super Eagles thrashed Benin Republic 4-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to finish second in their qualifying group and secure a place in the CAF playoff round, where they will face Gabon in November. The emphatic result kept alive Nigeria’s hopes of returning to the global stage after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
Chelle, who was appointed in January 2025 amid growing concerns that the three-time African champions could miss consecutive World Cups, praised his players for their response and the progress made under his leadership.
Speaking on Eagle7FM with Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami, the Malian tactician reflected on his 10-month tenure and the challenges of transforming the team in limited time.
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“I think the Super Eagles have improved since I took over. It’s difficult because you don’t have much time to work — you can only focus on one or two principles of play,” Chelle said.
“We’re improving every game, and we take each one as it comes. I think the job is positive.”
Chelle also acknowledged the team’s achievements so far, highlighting their Unity Cup triumph and 14 points in World Cup qualifying, while maintaining that the real task begins with the playoffs.
“I was a bit disappointed because of the CHAN, but with the Super Eagles, 14 points and the Unity Cup win, I think it’s positive,” he continued. “We have two games in November, and the reality is that the job starts now.”
The 47-year-old credited his technical staff and players for their dedication, emphasising that the team’s progress was the result of hard work rather than luck.
“When I took this job, we came to work and to give everything for this team. It’s not about being lucky, it’s about the work we put in. We did a great job in 10 months. When you work a lot, football sometimes gives you something.”
The Super Eagles will face Gabon next month in a mini-qualification tournament in Morocco. Should they win, they will meet the winner between Cameroon and DR Congo for Africa’s sole slot in the intercontinental playoffs.
“Because of the work we put in, I always knew we had a chance to reach the playoffs. Now we will continue to work with our energy — and we want to go to the World Cup.”
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