Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle remains optimistic about his team’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite a disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.
The result has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s aspirations to secure a spot at the prestigious tournament. Currently, the Super Eagles sit in third place in Group C, amassing 11 points from eight matches, and trailing leaders South Africa by six points.
Chelle affirmed his team’s determination to continue fighting for World Cup qualification. “My players are professionals, and I know they will want to win the remaining two games,” he remarked after the match. “A lot can happen over the next month, but we must analyse our performance tonight, which won’t be easy.”
The Super Eagles will face Lesotho away when qualifiers resume in September and will host Benin Republic’s Squirrels in their final group match later that month.
