Super Eagles Must Beat South Africa, Rwanda To Qualify For FIFA World Cup – Coach Eric Chelle

Super Eagles Manager, Eric Chelle has expressed concern over Nigeria’s possibility of joining other nations at the upcoming 2026 World Cup in United States of America.

The 47-year-old, during an interview on Saturday, explained how Super Eagles can qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite their poor start in the qualifiers.

Before Chelle’s appointment, the three times champions had failed to win any of their first four qualifying matches.

However, he boosted hopes by guiding the team to a 2-0 victory over Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali.

However, he boosted hopes by guiding the team to a 2-0 victory over Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali.

But a draw against Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe has made their task more difficult, as Nigeria now trails group leaders South Africa by six points. Bafana Bafana are in pole position to qualify for their first World Cup since 2010.

With four matches left, the Super Eagles must win all their remaining games and hope their rivals drop points. Chelle has identified the clash against the South Africans as a critical point in their campaign.

“It’s an obligation to win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo,” Chelle said.

“South Africa are a good side, but for that game, we cannot afford to let them play. First, we have to beat Rwanda at home, then we will focus on South Africa.”

Nigeria will host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on 3rd September, before travelling to face South Africa three days later.

The Super Eagles will need to be at their best to keep their World Cup dream alive.

The Nigeria Football Federation has penciled down a host of preparatory matches before September, with a friendly match against FIFA-banned Russia expected to be played in June.

Reports indicate Super Eagles will feature in a four-nation tournament tagged “The Unity Cup” in June, with West African rivals Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica also on board.

However, the football federation have yet to confirm any of these games but are expected to announce the games for the June international break in the coming days.