Super Eagles head coach, Éric Chelle has declared that securing a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains his top priority, as Nigeria faces a daunting road to qualification following a disastrous start to their campaign.
Despite the excitement surrounding Monday’s 2025 AFCON draw in Morocco, where Nigeria was placed in Group Calongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, Chelle remains laser-focused on the World Cup qualifiers in March, which he describes as “crucial” for the Super Eagles’ future.
“March is Everything” – Éric Chelle Sounds Alarm on World Cup Dream
After attending the draw event in Rabat, the Franco-Malian coach dismissed any thoughts of AFCON dominance for now, emphasizing the immediate challenge ahead.
“There are no small teams in AFCON; you need to be focused,” Chelle told Pooja Media.
“As I’ve said before, my focus is on my players and March.”
”We need to concentrate on the World Cup qualifiers first, and after that, in October, we can start thinking about AFCON. For now, we need to win two games in March.”
The stark reality is that Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is hanging by a thread.
Nigeria’s World Cup Nightmare – Can Chelle Turn It Around?
After four matches, the three-time African champions are languishing in fifth place in their qualifying group with just three points—a shocking four points behind leaders Rwanda.
With only six matches left, the upcoming fixtures against Rwanda in Kigali and Zimbabwe could make or break Nigeria’s World Cup dreams. Defeat in either match could all but end their chances.
Road to AFCON – Can Nigeria End Their Trophy Drought?
While Chelle’s primary concern is reviving the World Cup bid, Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title is also looming.
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on December 23 at the Fez Stadium in Fez.
They will then face Tunisia on December 27 before a final group-stage showdown against Uganda on December 30.
The tournament will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
What’s Next for the Super Eagles?
ÉChelle and his coaching staff now have a critical six-week period to evaluate the squad, fine-tune tactics, and build a team capable of delivering in March’s must-win matches.
Will Chelle be the man to save Nigeria’s World Cup hopes and AFCON ambitions? The next two months will determine the fate of Nigerian football.
