Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has said that his aspiration to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy will depend heavily on Nigeria securing a positive outcome in next week’s decisive 2026 World Cup playoff fixtures.
Chelle openly reiterated his determination to guide Nigeria to AFCON success in Morocco later this year, but made it clear that the team’s ambitions could unravel if they fail to progress from the continent’s playoff rounds and keep alive their chances of featuring at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
After a qualification campaign in which the Super Eagles did not record a win in their first four matches, the team missed out on an automatic spot and now faces a more demanding route to the global tournament.
Nigeria will take on Gabon in one of the African playoff semi-finals next Thursday, with the winners set to meet either DR Congo or Cameroon in the final stage of qualification.
Reflecting on the pressure surrounding the task, Chelle told reporters: “Since March, we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar. We’ll be ready mentally and in our collective mindset. If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult.”
He added that the team must remain focused on the challenges immediately ahead of them before shifting fully to AFCON preparations. “Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches. If we win the first (Gabon), we’ll aim for the second, then turn to AFCON.”
Chelle emphasised the expectations that come with managing Nigeria, while praising the squad’s quality and work ethic. “We’re working in parallel, but our mindset must first be on those immediate tests. When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything. But we proceed with humility, with a smile and a will to work. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated and united, nothing is impossible.”
About the Author
