Record-chasing Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle backed to lead Nigeria to 2026 World Cup

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau is confident that Eric Chelle can guide the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles missed out on the last World Cup in Qatar, won by Lionel Messi’s Argentina, and now risk failing to qualify for back-to-back tournaments.

Their campaign for the 2026 edition — set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — is already in jeopardy after a string of poor results.

READ MORE: Eric Chelle gets boost with Super Eagles defender set for comeback five months after leg fracture

Nigeria remain winless in their first four qualifiers, drawing against South Africa, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe before suffering a costly defeat to Benin Republic.

As a result, they sit second from bottom in Group C, four points behind the joint leaders — Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa. Only the group winners will earn automatic qualification, leaving the Super Eagles with no margin for error.

Our first three goal poachers at the FIFA World Cup. Rashidi Yekini, @AmokachiTheBull and @AmunekeEmma9496 #soarsupereagles #tbt #fifaworldcup pic.twitter.com/oXnABB3kTK

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 20, 2025

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

In response to the team's struggles, the NFF appointed Malian coach Eric Chelle in January to lead the squad. The former Mali national team boss has wasted no time, meeting key Super Eagles players in Europe and scouting talent from the domestic league.

Gusau is impressed with Chelle’s work so far and believes that with proper preparation, player commitment, and fan support, Nigeria can still turn things around.

Work begins

Éric Chelle’s first two games as Super Eagles head coach will be the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers—Rwanda away and Zimbabwe at home in March, let’s go super eagles !!! pic.twitter.com/hNAHDTKLvn

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 4, 2025

“Eric Chelle is going to be in charge of the Super Eagles,” Gusau said, as per TVC.

“You are also aware that he has started making contact with the players in order to make sure that we do what we need to do to ensure that we have good preparation for the team. I want to assure you, with the level we are going and with the zeal and commitment of the players as well as the new coach, we are assuring you that with your prayers and support, the Super Eagles will qualify for the World Cup.”

Moments we can’t wait to remake @Ahmedmusa718 x @AwaziemC combo #tbt #afcon2023 #naija4thewin #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/MVrIIreF4p

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 20, 2025

Should Eric Chelle succeed in guiding the Super Eagles to the World Cup, he will enter the record books as the first non-Nigerian African coach to achieve that feat.

Nigeria will face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before taking on Zimbabwe four days later in crucial qualifiers. Wins in both fixtures would significantly boost their World Cup hopes.

However, Rwanda already proved a tough opponent, beating Nigeria 2-1 in the AFCON qualifiers last November. In truth, the Super Eagles could afford to lose that match, having already secured AFCON qualification with two games to spare.