Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has vowed to implement an attacking style of football to secure Nigeria’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The 47-year-old, who signed a two-year deal, made the pledge during his official unveiling in Abuja on Monday, emphasizing his commitment to turning around Nigeria’s sluggish start to the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are currently second from the bottom in their group, with just three points from four games.
“I have always had a love for scoring goals. My teams are never short of goals, and I promise the Super Eagles will be no different,” Chelle assured. “Football is about scoring goals, and I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians, and I will work diligently with my assistants to achieve the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles for the World Cup.”
Nigeria faces a daunting task in their quest for a World Cup ticket. Group leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin are all tied on seven points, while the Super Eagles must overcome a three-point deficit to challenge for top spot.
Only the group winners are guaranteed automatic qualification.
In March, Nigeria will visit Rwanda before hosting bottom-placed Zimbabwe in a crucial doubleheader.
The former Mali coach comes with a solid track record, having guided Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and managed Algerian club MC Oran.
A former captain of French club Lens, Chelle described his appointment as an honor.
“Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job. I do not take this appointment for granted,” he said. “I am elated and will do my utmost best.”
As Nigeria grapples with the disappointment of missing the 2022 World Cup and their slow start to this qualification campaign, Chelle’s promise of attacking football offers a glimmer of hope to the nation’s football faithful.