Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has insisted that Nigeria will spring surprises in the remaining four fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, despite the team’s shaky position in the race to reach the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points after six games, six adrift of leaders South Africa, who top the log with 13 points. Rwanda and Benin Republic also sit ahead of the Super Eagles with eight points apiece.
Chelle, who replaced Finidi George earlier this year, has overseen just two matches in the qualifying campaign so far—guiding the team to a 2-0 win away in Kigali against Rwanda, before being held to a 1-1 draw by Zimbabwe in Uyo last March. His predecessors, José Peseiro and Finidi, managed two matches each without recording a victory.
Speaking during a chat with UK-based Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana at the 2024 African Nations Championship in Tanzania, Chelle acknowledged that critics have written Nigeria off, but maintained belief in his squad’s ability to turn the tide.
“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that,” Chelle said. “I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches that we have. I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people.”
The Super Eagles will regroup in Uyo on September 1 to begin preparations for their crunch September double-header. They will host Rwanda on September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein to face South Africa three days later.
Their final two matches of the series are scheduled for October, with an away trip to Lesotho and a decisive home clash against Benin Republic.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s qualification hopes could be boosted by a disciplinary ruling, as South Africa risk losing three points for allegedly fielding an ineligible player during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho in March.
