Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says a successful campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs will provide the perfect momentum for Nigeria’s quest to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
Nigeria will battle Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the playoffs scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, next week.
The Super Eagles are set to face the Panthers of Gabon in the first semi-final on Thursday, November 13, at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat.
Chelle expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion, insisting that victory in the playoffs could ignite a winning run leading into AFCON.
He said, “Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches (note: against Gabon on 13 November and, if successful, the final on 16 November),” Chelle told CAFonline.
“If we win the first, we’ll aim for the second, then turn to AFCON. We’re working in parallel, but our mindset must first be on those immediate tests. When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything. But we proceed with humility, with a smile and a will to work. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated and united, nothing is impossible.
“If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult,” Chelle added.
