World Cup 2026 (Q) - Nigeria: Eric Chelle wants to believe until the end

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·10. September 2025

World Cup 2026 (Q) - Nigeria: Eric Chelle wants to believe until the end

The Super Eagles coach remains hopeful despite the draw against South Africa.

World Cup 2026 (Q) - Nigeria: Eric Chelle wants to believe until the end

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Eric Chelle has reaffirmed his determination to guide Nigeria to the 2026 World Cup. After the draw against South Africa on September 9 in Bloemfontein, the coach spoke about the two crucial upcoming matches.

Eric Chelle led the Super Eagles in the match against Bafana Bafana, which ended in a 1-1 draw. The clash took place at the Free State Stadium as part of the eighth round of qualifiers. Nigeria conceded the opening goal through an own goal by William Troost-Ekong, but bounced back with a header from Calvin Bassey. This result keeps the Super Eagles in third place in Group C with 11 points, six behind the South African leaders.

Two finals to play in October, Chelle does not rule out a turnaround.

Nigeria will have to win against Lesotho and Benin in the last two matches scheduled for October. Eric Chelle remains convinced that there is still hope for the Super Eagles.

"My players are professionals and I know they'll want to win the last two matches. A lot can happen over the next month. But before that, we'll have to analyze tonight's performance, which won't be easy," Chelle said after the match.