Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, insists the team did their utmost during the 2026 World Cup play-off, following Nigeria’s heartbreak against DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday.
DR Congo secured Africa’s place in next year’s FIFA World Cup play-off by edging the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Nigeria had taken an early lead through Frank Onyeka, only for Meshak Elia to level the score before halftime.
The Super Eagles battled through extra time but ultimately fell short in the penalty shootout.
The loss extends Nigeria’s World Cup absence to two consecutive editions (2022 and 2026), yet Chelle remained unshaken when asked about his future with the team.
“I think you have to ask the NFF and the commission,” Chelle responded when quizzed about his job status after the defeat.
“I did well. We worked and I try to give my best. We gave our best; the players and the officials,” he added.
Appointed in January, the Franco-Malian coach oversaw Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign from March, managing six games, winning four and drawing two.
After missing out on automatic qualification, the Super Eagles had to navigate the African play-off, defeating Gabon 4-1 in extra time last Thursday before succumbing to DR Congo in the final.
Including their first appearance in 1994, Nigeria has qualified for six World Cups (1998, 2022, 2010, 2014, and 2018), with their best showing reaching the round of 16 in 1994, 1998, and 2014. They have missed out on the 2006, 2022, and now 2026 editions.
Looking ahead, Chelle and the team will turn their focus to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, aiming to claim a fourth continental crown.
The tournament, which kicks off on December 21 and runs until January 19, follows Nigeria’s runner-up finish in the last edition in Ivory Coast.
