Chelle Insists Nigeria Can Still Qualify for 2026 World Cup”

 

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle remains optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite Tuesday’s setback against South Africa.

Chelle’s men were held to a 1-1 draw by Bafana Bafana at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, a result that dented their hopes of securing a ticket to the global showpiece.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, six adrift of leaders South Africa. But Chelle insists his team will keep fighting until the end.

“My players are professionals, and I know they’ll give everything to win the remaining two games,” the coach said. “A lot can still happen in the next month. For now, we must analyse tonight’s performance, even though it won’t be easy.”

The Super Eagles will travel to face Lesotho when qualifiers resume in September, before hosting Benin Republic in their final group fixture.