Chelle Confident Super Eagles Can Stage Comeback in World Cup Qualifiers

Chelle Confident Super Eagles Can Stage Comeback in World Cup Qualifiers

By Admin 

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed optimism that Nigeria can still revive their faltering 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, insisting his team will “surprise a lot of people” in the remaining matches, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points from six matches, six adrift of leaders South Africa, who have 13 points. Rwanda and Benin Republic are one point ahead of the Eagles, while Lesotho sit at the bottom.

Chelle, who took charge midway through the campaign, has overseen two fixtures so far—securing a 2-0 victory against Rwanda in Kigali before being held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in Uyo. His predecessors, José Peseiro and Finidi George, managed two games each without a win.

Despite the daunting task ahead, Chelle insists the Super Eagles should not be written off.

“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that,” he 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 that we are going to surprise a lot of people.”

The Super Eagles are scheduled to regroup in Uyo on September 1 ahead of back-to-back qualifiers. They will host Rwanda on September 6 before travelling to Bloemfontein for a crunch tie against South Africa three days later.

Nigeria will then wrap up their group campaign in October with an away clash against Lesotho and a home fixture against Benin Republic.

Meanwhile, Rwanda, Benin Republic, and Nigeria are all awaiting FIFA’s decision on South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March, with the table toppers accused of fielding an ineligible player. A possible points deduction could alter the dynamics of the group.