Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup despite trailing Group C leaders South Africa by six points.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed confidence that Nigeria can still secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The result left the Eagles in third place in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, six points adrift of group leaders South Africa. The setback has fueled concerns over the team’s qualification hopes.
Chelle, however, urged calm, insisting his players remain committed to turning the campaign around. “My players are professionals, and I know they will want to win the remaining two games,” he said. “A lot can happen over the next month, but we must analyse our performance tonight, which won’t be easy.”
Nigeria will next travel to Maseru to face Lesotho in September before hosting Benin Republic in their final group game. Victories in both fixtures are critical to keeping their World Cup hopes alive.