Eric Sekhou Chelle, the head coach of the Super Eagles, is optimistic about his team’s chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Chelle appears to have gone past the disappointment of the recent draw with Zimbabwe and is now concentrating on the games that lie ahead and how they might affect qualifying.
Despite a difficult start in the qualifiers, he has outlined a plan for Nigeria to still qualify for the World Cup. Nigeria hadn’t won any of their first four qualification games before Chelle arrived.
But with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda, the Malian coach lifted the team’s morale.
Nigeria is now six points behind group leaders South Africa, who are well-positioned to earn a spot in their first World Cup since 2010, as a result of the subsequent draw with Zimbabwe.
The Super Eagles have four games left and need to win every one of them while also hoping that their opponents will play well. The forthcoming game against South Africa has been identified by Chelle as a crucial point in their quest for qualifying.
“Winning in South Africa is a must, but Rwanda in Uyo is currently our most crucial game.
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“South Africa is a good team, but we can’t afford to let them play in that match. We must defeat Rwanda at home before we can concentrate on South Africa,” Chelle stated on Brila FM.
Crucial Fixtures for Nigeria
According to reports, Nigeria will play South Africa away three days after hosting Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 3.
For the Super Eagles to maintain their hopes of winning the World Cup, they need to play at their best.
Before September, a number of friendlies are planned in anticipation of these games, including one against FIFA-suspended Russia in June.
According to reports, Nigeria will join Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica in June for the Unity Cup, a four-nation competition.
The Nigeria Football Federation has not yet verified these schedules, but it is anticipated to make the information on the June international break public soon.
