“Too much quality” – South Africa’s Broos backs Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles to fire past Rwanda, Zimbabwe

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has tipped Nigeria’s Super Eagles to rediscover their winning form when the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in March, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles have endured a frustrating start to their qualification campaign, failing to win any of their first four matches.

They drew against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa before suffering a shock 2-1 defeat to Benin Republic. That poor run has left Nigeria with just three points — four behind joint group leaders South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin.

Calvin Bassey, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina and others during a Super Eagles team walk [Photo credit/Imago]

With only the top team securing automatic qualification, Nigeria sit second from bottom in the six-team group and must start winning immediately to stay in contention.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

To turn things around, the Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle, who led Mali to the quarterfinals of last year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle and his assistant coaches. Photo by IMAGO

Chelle inherits a squad brimming with attacking firepower, including Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, and reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.

What Hugo Broos said about Super Eagles

Despite Nigeria’s struggles, Bafana Bafana boss Broos believes the Super Eagles still have what it takes to mount a comeback.

“I am surprised that Nigeria are four points behind us because they have too much quality,” Broos said, as per ScoreNigeria.

“I believe they will come back by the next window (March).

“All the teams in our group are still in the running (to qualify for the World Cup).”

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with the Nigeria Super Eagles. Photo by IMAGO

Nigeria will be desperate for wins against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month, while hoping South Africa slip up in their own matches.

Bafana Bafana will face Lesotho on March 17 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane before taking on Benin Republic at the same venue, where the Cheetahs will be the designated home team.

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad. From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.

Share
Published by
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Recent Posts

Why Super Eagles duo started on the bench in Fulham’s win against Wolves – Marco Silva

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, has revealed the rationale behind his decision to bench Super… Read More

18 minutes ago

New Rangers boss makes bold claim about Cyriel Dessers

Newly appointed Rangers boss, Barry Ferguson, has made a bold claim about Super Eagles striker,… Read More

1 hour ago

“Investigate the incident” – Super Eagles captain calls for swift action on Abubakar Lawal’s demise

Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding… Read More

2 hours ago

Super Eagles star stands tall against ex-Arsenal man Giroud but Colorado Rapids exit Concacaf Champions Cup

Super Eagles star Chidozie Awaziem delivered an outstanding defensive performance but could not prevent Colorado… Read More

3 hours ago

Ex-Nasarawa United star Abubakar Lawal dies in Uganda – Everything you need to know

The Nigerian football community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of former… Read More

3 hours ago

Nigeria & Nantes’ Moses Simon joins OGC Nice and Le Havre stars as Ligue 1’s perfect penalty takers

Nigeria international Moses Simon has joined an exclusive club of penalty specialists in Ligue 1,… Read More

4 hours ago