Eric Sékou Chelle after the Nigeria Football Federation unveiled the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Sékou Chelle and a visit to Super Eagles B at Remo Stars Stadium Photo by IMAGO
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has enlisted the support of Nigerian football legends as he seeks to inspire his players ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are in serious jeopardy after a disastrous start to their qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles have failed to win any of their opening four matches, drawing against Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and South Africa while suffering a damaging defeat to Benin Republic.
With just three points from a possible 12, Nigeria languish in fifth place in Group C—four points behind joint leaders South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin, and one behind Lesotho.
Only the group winners will secure an automatic ticket to the World Cup, leaving the Super Eagles with a mountain to climb in their remaining six fixtures.
Chelle, who has been meeting players across Europe to prepare them for the crucial games, believes that bringing in Nigerian football icons could provide the morale boost the team needs.
Among the Super Eagles legend expected to join forces with Eric Chelle are former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu and one-time Bolton Wanderers captain Austin Okocha.
“I have invited Nigerian legends to join us in this battle, and I’m happy that they have accepted,” Chelle said, according to mainlandmetro via The Guardian.
“I want to assure Nigerians that we are going to have a good preparation for the matches, and we will do whatever it takes to be back on track.”
Nigeria’s next fixtures will see them face Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 before returning to Uyo to host Zimbabwe on March 25. Both matches are seen as must-win encounters if the Super Eagles are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Chelle, appointed on January 8 to replace Augustine Eguavoen, faces the daunting task of rescuing Nigeria’s World Cup campaign. If the Super Eagles fail to win both matches, their chances of qualification will be virtually extinguished, forcing them to set their sights on the 2030 tournament instead.
The 46-year-old Franco-Malian tactician has made it clear that his sole focus is on the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, dismissing any distractions regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“There is no little team in the AFCON—you need to be focused. Right now, I’m focused on my players, on my team, and on March,” Chelle told Pooja Media.
“We need to be focused on the World Cup qualifiers. Then in October, we will think about the AFCON. But now, we need to win two games in March.”
Chelle is expected back in Nigeria soon to finalize preparations with home-based players before announcing his squad for the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles still have six games left to play in Group C:
Winning all six matches may be the only way for Nigeria to salvage their World Cup dream.
With pressure mounting, Chelle’s bold move to involve national legends could be the spark the Super Eagles desperately need.
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