World Cup qualifiers: Nigeria urged to organise June friendly before crunch South Africa clash

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been urged to arrange a friendly match for the Super Eagles ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifiers later this year, Soccernet.football reports.

Nigeria currently sit fifth in Group C, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho. With only the group winners guaranteed a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles must turn their campaign around to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The @NGSuperEagles have a new coach.

Eric Sekou Chelle is the new coach of the #SuperEagles.

A new dawn is here. pic.twitter.com/RwYGpm74ji

— The NFF (@thenff) January 13, 2025

The NFF has appointed Malian coach Eric Chelle to lead the team through the qualifiers and possibly the Africa Cup of Nations. Since taking charge, Chelle has already met with key players in Europe, including Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi.

Head coach Éric Chelle and first assistant Hedi Taboubi visited some Super Eagles players ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers. #RoadToWorldCup2026 #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/fvHm1woBd7

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 8, 2025

Nigeria face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, followed by fixtures against Rwanda (August), South Africa (September), and Lesotho and Benin (October).

The away clash with South Africa is expected to be one of the toughest remaining tests. The first leg in Uyo ended in a 1-1 draw, meaning a victory in the return leg could be crucial for Nigeria’s qualification chances.

Recognising the significance of the South Africa fixture, Chelle has requested a June friendly against an African team that plays a similar style to Bafana Bafana, according to SCORENigeria.

According to the FIFA calendar, the international break runs from June 2 to 10. Last year, Nigeria played three friendlies against Mali, Ghana, and Guinea, winning only against Ghana.

South Africa currently jointly lead Group C alongaide Rwanda and Benin with seven points from four matches, while Nigeria have just three. The Super Eagles must find momentum soon if they are to reach the World Cup in North America.