Eric Chelle plots last-ditch rescue for Nigeria’s World Cup hopes ahead of September qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has singled out one of Nigeria’s remaining four games in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign as a potential turning point in their bid to get that all-important ticket, Footynaija.com reports.

Chelle took charge at the helm of affairs with the Super Eagles already in a precarious position in group C. Under the tutelage of two different managers in Jose Peseiro and Finidi George respectively, Nigeria failed to record a single victory in their first four games, posting three draws and a loss.

The arrival of Chelle earlier this year heralded a new era of hope for Nigeria’s chances of securing qualification and the first game under his watch breathed a fresh lease of life into the Super Eagles’ campaign as they secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Rwanda at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali.

Nigeria looked to carry that momentum into Chelle’s second game in charge against Zimbabwe, however, despite being in control for large parts of the game and leading by a lone goal after 90 minutes, the Super Eagles were stunned by a stoppage time equalizer and forced to settle for a point at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Where does Nigeria stand in Group C?

With Nigeria’s current points tally adding up to 7, they sit in fourth place, one point behind Rwanda and Benin is second and third respectively, while group C leaders South Africa boast a handsome six point gap.

Can Nigeria still qualify?

As it stands, Nigeria need to win all four of their remaining games while hoping that other results will go in their favour to nurse any realistic hope of qualification. While Chelle is fully aware of the importance of the four remaining fixtures, he singled out South Africa as a must win.

“It’s an obligation we win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo,”  the Super Eagles boss said in quotes revealed by Brila.

“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.”

Both games are billed to go down in September, with the Super Eagles hosting the Amavubi in Uyo on Wednesday, September 3 before travelling to South Africa for their clash with Bafana Bafana three days later.