Chelle Outlines What Super Eagles Must Do To Reach 2026 World Cup

Chelle Outlines What Super Eagles Must Do To Reach 2026 World Cup

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has laid out the key steps his team must take to secure qualification for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Despite a squad filled with talented players, the three-time African champions are dangerously close to missing out on their second consecutive World Cup appearance.

Chelle, the Franco-Malian tactician, emphasized the need for complete commitment and a warrior-like mentality on the pitch.

 “We have a crucial objective in September. I saw this period as an opportunity to give several players a chance to prove themselves, and I’m proud of the way they responded. With just two or three training sessions, they gave everything. That’s the reality,” Chelle said.

Reflecting on the Unity Cup performance, he acknowledged the positives and the areas needing improvement.

“We scored goals, created chances, and showed good signs in our overall play. But we still have work to do. There are weaknesses we need to fix. We must grow stronger as a group and as a team especially if we’re serious about reaching the World Cup.”

Chelle stressed that cohesion and mentality will be the difference-makers.

“What matters most is playing together — in both attack and defence. We have to keep improving, both physically and mentally. We must become true warriors on the pitch.”

With four games remaining in the qualifying series, the Super Eagles will host Rwanda and travel to face South Africa in September.

Their final matches are scheduled for October, away to Lesotho and at home against Benin Republic.