Eric Chelle highlights the Super Eagles' World Cup fate depends on a crucial match against South Africa in September. With Nigeria trailing by six points, victory is essential for their qualification hopes, but first, they must defeat Rwanda at home in the upcoming qualifier.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has emphasized the importance of their upcoming match against South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With Nigeria trailing the Bafana Bafana by six points in Group C, Chelle acknowledges that their fate depends on securing a win against South Africa in September.
South Africa currently leads the group with 13 points after a strong run in March, including victories over Lesotho and Benin Republic. Nigeria, on the other hand, gained a crucial 2-0 win against Rwanda but struggled with a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe, adding pressure to their campaign. The team will first play Rwanda in Uyo, before facing South Africa away, making the South Africa clash critical for their qualification hopes.
While Chelle remains focused on the immediate game against Rwanda, he understands that beating South Africa is non-negotiable. Despite acknowledging the strength of the South African team, Chelle insists that the team must first focus on the Rwanda match before turning their attention to the crucial showdown in South Africa.
