Super Eagles of Nigeria sit third with 14 points, one behind South Africa and three behind the Benin Republic, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers Group C…
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has urged Super Eagles fans to rally behind the team as they prepare for their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chelle, who guided Nigeria to a tense 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, praised his players for their resilience under pressure.
Speaking further after the game against the Crocodiles, Chelle revealed that the entire squad has been feeling the weight of expectation since the qualification series began.
What Eric Chelle Said After Lesotho Game
“Today, we are happy because we won the three points. We’re still alive, and maybe the journalists can do the mathematics,” Chelle said.
“I’m happy for my players — I want to congratulate them. We feel the pressure, and since March, every time my players come into camp, they feel it too. For Nigeria, for our team, we need to travel, we need to go to the World Cup, so there’s a lot of pressure. This is not an excuse; it’s just the reality.”
Nigeria had to dig deep to overcome Lesotho after a frustrating first half. Captain William Troost-Ekong broke the deadlock from the penalty spot before debutant Akor Adams doubled the lead.
Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria: Adams equals Martins’ record as Super Eagles hang on to slim World Cup hopes #LESNGA pic.twitter.com/VhNaRx2k1p
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) October 10, 2025
The hosts pulled one back late on, but the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions held firm to secure the crucial victory.
The win moved the Super Eagles to third in Group C with 14 points—one behind South Africa and three behind leaders Benin, who won away in Rwanda.
Group C standings: Benin stay top, Nigeria still in with a chance#FIFAWCQ2026 pic.twitter.com/Ag4SJoMxVl
— Soccernet.ng (@soccernet_ng) October 10, 2025
Chelle Eye Benin Victory
Chelle admitted that the Super Eagles’ qualification hopes are still in the balance but insisted that the team will fight until the end as they face the Cheetahs in the coming days.
“Maybe now, other teams will take some of that pressure too, and I’m happy about that — very happy. Because playing a game without anything at stake is not the same football,” he added.
“We need our fans behind us to put a lot of pressure on Benin Republic. We’re in Africa, so we need to make things tough for them. This is the World Cup qualifiers — the game starts when they put their feet in our country. We need to do the job on the pitch.”
Nigeria will face Benin in their final group game, knowing that only a win—coupled with a favourable result elsewhere—will keep their World Cup dream alive.