Eric Chelle admits Super Eagles’ World Cup fate hangs on must-win clash against South Africa

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has underlined the Super Eagles’ determination to defeat South Africa in September, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chelle is convinced that victory against the Bafana Bafana is non-negotiable if the Super Eagles are to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive.

The Super Eagles find themselves in a precarious position in Group C, trailing leaders South Africa by six points with just four matches remaining in the qualification campaign.

Bafana Bafana currently sit atop the group with 13 points after six games, having strengthened their position with back-to-back wins over Lesotho and Benin Republic in March.

Nigeria, meanwhile, managed a crucial 2-0 away victory against Rwanda but were left frustrated after a 1-1 home draw with Zimbabwe.

Those results have put added pressure on Chelle’s side to secure maximum points in their upcoming fixtures—first at home to Rwanda in Uyo, before a decisive showdown against South Africa away.

What Eric Chelle said about South Africa vs Nigeria

While Chelle remains focused on the immediate task against Rwanda, he is fully aware of the significance of the South Africa clash.

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

“South Africa are a good side, but for that game we cannot afford to allow them play. But first, we have to beat Rwanda at home and then we will focus on the game in South Africa.”

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The Super Eagles have a history of intense battles with Bafana Bafana.

In their most recent encounter in June 2024, Nigeria fought back to secure a 1-1 draw in Uyo thanks to a well-taken equalizer by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

The two teams also met in the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria emerged victorious via penalties after a tense contest. While South Africa finished third in the tournament, Nigeria had to settle for silver after losing the final to hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

Chelle, however, has personal experience of defeating South Africa.

As Mali’s head coach at AFCON 2023, he led his team to a dominant 2-0 group-stage victory over Bafana Bafana, controlling the match from start to finish.

Now, he will be looking to replicate that success with the Super Eagles as they aim to keep their World Cup dream alive.

Despite Nigeria’s current struggles in the qualifiers, history favours the Super Eagles in this fixture. In 16 previous meetings, Nigeria have won eight times, while South Africa have managed just two victories. Six encounters have ended in draws, including the last meeting in Uyo.

However, past records will count for little when the two sides meet in September. With South Africa enjoying home advantage and Nigeria needing a result, the clash is set to be a high-stakes affair that could define both teams’ World Cup ambitions.