‘Be like sharks’ – Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle makes Nigeria World Cup vow ahead of Gabon clash

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has vowed to give his all to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging his players to ‘be like sharks' as they prepare for a tense playoff run, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Franco-Malian tactician, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has already transformed the mood around the team.

When he arrived, the Super Eagles were on the brink of disaster: winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.

But Chelle’s calm authority and tactical clarity have since stabilised the squad. Under his leadership, Nigeria rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18.

The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where the Super Eagles swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.

Still, the revival wasn’t enough to seal automatic qualification.

Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.

The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon and potentially Cameroon or DR Congo waiting beyond.

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‘They have to be like sharks’ — Eric Chelle’s warrior call

Despite the daunting route ahead, Eric Chelle exudes calm optimism.

Speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM, the coach expressed gratitude to fans and called for unity as the next phase begins.

“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.

“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this [for the playoffs]… I plan to do my best for Nigeria and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”

His message to his players was just as fierce.

“Qualifying for the FIFA WorldCup is not a war but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”

Chelle’s words carry extra weight given Nigeria’s painful miss in 2022, when Ghana snatched the World Cup ticket in Abuja.

With confidence restored and the stakes higher than ever, the Super Eagles’ path under Chelle now depends on whether his ‘sharks' can finish what he has started.