Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle believes that a strong performance in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs will play a key role in boosting Nigeria’s quest for glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria will compete in the playoffs scheduled for next week in Rabat, Morocco, alongside Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Super Eagles are set to take on the Panthers of Gabon in the first semi-final at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex on Thursday, November 13.
Chelle expressed confidence that his team will be unstoppable if they succeed in the playoffs, describing the mission as a focused, two-step process:
> “Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target — the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches, against Gabon on November 13 and, if successful, the final on November 16,” 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.”
The coach also acknowledged the high expectations that come with managing the Nigerian national team.
“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,” he concluded.
