Eric Chelle Vows To Lead Super Eagles To 2026 FIFA World Cup

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has pledged to take Nigeria back to the FIFA World Cup, telling his players to approach the upcoming playoffs with the mindset of “warriors.”

The Franco-Malian tactician made the declaration while speaking with Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7 FM on Saturday. Eric Chelle, who has enjoyed a wave of support since taking charge, expressed his gratitude to Nigerians for rallying behind the team.

“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said. “We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: they have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”

Chelle’s appointment in January came at a turbulent time for the Super Eagles, who were struggling to find form in the qualifiers. Before his arrival, Nigeria had failed to win any of their first four matches, picking up just three draws and a defeat that left their campaign hanging by a thread.

Under his leadership, the team rediscovered their rhythm, winning four and drawing two of their last six games to collect 14 points from a possible 18. One of those victories, a 4-0 demolition of the Benin Republic in Uyo earlier this month, kept them in the 2026 World Cup qualification race.

Naija News reports that the Super Eagles finished as one of the best runners-up on the continent thanks to their win over Benin. They will now have to battle through a playoff in November for a chance to reach next year’s intercontinental decider.

Their first test will come against Gabon in a one-legged playoff, with a potential meeting against either Cameroon or DR Congo on the horizon.

Chelle, who has quickly earned the players’ respect with his no-nonsense approach, said his squad must treat the playoffs as a fight for pride and legacy.

“Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war,” he said. “My players need to have a warrior state of mind. They have to be like sharks.”

Recall that Nigeria failed to reach the 2022 World Cup after Ghana edged them on away goals in Abuja.