Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has assured that the team will deliver unexpected results in the final four fixtures of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, even though many have dismissed their chances of making it to the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
After six rounds of games, Nigeria sit in fourth place in Group C with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six points, as Bafana Bafana top the standings with 13.
Chelle has overseen just two matches since taking charge, guiding the side to a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, before a frustrating 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe in Uyo in March. His predecessors, José Peseiro and Finidi George, had earlier managed two games each without a single win.
Despite the difficult position in the group, the Franco-Malian tactician acknowledged that many have lost faith in the team, but he remains convinced that the Super Eagles can still turn the tide.
“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that,” Chelle told UK-based Nigerian Journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, during a chat at the 2024 CHAN tournament in Tanzania.
“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 are scheduled to regroup in Uyo on September 1 ahead of the next pair of qualifiers.
They will host Rwanda on Saturday, September 6, before travelling to Bloemfontein to take on South Africa on September 9.
Following the September double-header, their final group matches will see them face Lesotho away and then host Benin Republic in October.
At the moment, Rwanda and Benin Republic both sit ahead of Nigeria by a single point. Meanwhile, all three nations are watching closely as South Africa risk losing three points over claims of fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win against Lesotho in March.
