Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, is confident that a strong performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs will set the stage for Nigeria’s success at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Next week, the Super Eagles will compete in the playoffs in Rabat, Morocco, alongside Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nigeria’s first challenge comes against the Panthers of Gabon in the semi-final at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex on Thursday, 13 November.
Chelle Targets AFCON Success
Chelle emphasized that a victory in the playoffs would make his team difficult to stop.
“Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches (note: against Gabon on 13 November and, if successful, the final on 16 November),” Chelle told CAFonline.
“If we win the first, we’ll aim for the second, then turn to AFCON. 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.
“If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult.”
