SUPER Eagles of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle is confident his side will improve on their performance against Gabon when they face the Democratic Republic of Congo in tonight’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs final in Rabat, Morocco.
Chelle’s team defeated Gabon 4-1 in Thursday’s semi-final, but needed extra-time after struggling in the second half despite a dominant first half.
“I will watch this game again because we did a lot of good things, but bad things too,” Chelle said during a pre-match interview when asked what the Super Eagles would do differently in the final.
“We have to correct some things before the next game, and I am confident in my team, and I know that they will do better than they did against Gabon.”
After a one-sided first half in which the Super Eagles missed several good opportunities, Akor Adams opened the scoring in the 78th minute.
Mario Lemina equalised for Gabon in stoppage before Chidera Ejuke’s strike and Victor Osimhen’s brace in extra-time eased the Super Eagles into the final.
“The most important thing for this team is to create an identity. This identity is how we play the defence and the offence. This is why we try to improve at every FIFA window,” Chelle explained.
“These guys have improved technically, mentally, and they understand what I want to do for them.”
Chelle has overseen a turnaround in the fortunes of the Super Eagles, who had started the qualifying with just three points from four matches, with the team securing four wins and two draws in the group phase since his arrival to advance to the CAF play-offs.
The African play-offs final is scheduled for 8pm tonight at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, with a ticket to the intercontinental play-offs in Mexico next March on offer.