The biggest challenge facing the newly engaged Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, is how to put Nigeria in the list of countries that will compete in the 2026 World Cup competition
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has warned that it would be a disaster if the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stressing that such an outcome must be avoided at all costs.
The three-time African champions find themselves in a difficult situation in the World Cup qualifiers, having earned just three points from four matches.
“It would be a huge disappointment for Nigeria to miss out on the World Cup in the US. Considering the significant number of educated Nigerians living in the US, it’s unimaginable for me,” Pinnick said.
“One of my most difficult moments was when Nigeria failed to qualify for the last World Cup.”
Pinnick also expressed confidence in the selection process that led to the appointment of the new coach, urging Nigerians to rally behind the decision. “They didn’t decide in isolation. They consulted with the Sports Commission, which oversees the Nigeria Football Federation’s activities. I’m sure the Sports Commission gave their full endorsement”, he told Arise News. Also speaking on Chelle’s Role as Super Eagles Coach, Augustine Eguavoen urged Nigerians to unite and support newly appointed coach, if the country must qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF appointed Chelle as the head coach of the Super Eagles on Tuesday, January14, 2025.
Chelle, a former Mali international, arrived in Nigeria on Sunday after parting ways with his Algerian club, MC Oran. He was unveiled by the NFF on Monday in a ceremony held in Abuja.
At the unveiling, Eguavoen, who had served as the interim head coach while the NFF searched for a permanent coach, spoke passionately about the importance of rallying behind Chelle during his tenure.
He said: “It’s a hot seat, but we should do everything we can to make it as cool as possible. It’s not about me or Eric; it’s about Nigeria and flying our flag at the World Cup in 2026.”
Eguavoen, who had taken up the role of interim head coach for the fourth time in August 2024, had successfully guided Nigeria to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco.
With Chelle’s appointment, Eguavoen will now focus on his duties as the head of the Technical Department at the NFF.
Chelle’s full tenure will officially begin in March when the 2026 World Cup qualification series resumes.
The Super Eagles are currently in a challenging position, sitting fifth in their group with just three points from four matches. They will face Rwanda on March 17, followed by a home fixture against Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 24, 2024. On his part, Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko is rooting for Chelle to make a positive impact on the team. The 47-year-old’s appointment has been greeted with widespread resistance and criticism by Nigerian football fans and pundits.
Despite the controversy that surrounded his appointment, Dikko believes the Malian is the right man for the job. The former NFF’s vice-president also stated that Chelle’s deep knowledge of African football will be vital for the Super Eagles. Speaking, Chelle, said football is about scoring goals and he will introduce an attacking mentality to the senior men’s football national team.
He stated this during his official unveiling at the Media Conference Room of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. Chelle, won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais.
He told newsmen that he was excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football names.
“I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job. I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best.
“Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style.
“I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with my assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” he said.
Ibrahim Gusau, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reiterated his call for Nigerians to come together and support the gaffer, while promising that the football-ruling body will give Chelle all the support to succeed in his assignment.
Gusau said he was endeared by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days.
He said he was banking on him to galvanise the Super Eagles with the same go-go attitude to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
“I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level. He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself.
“Coach Chelle recognises and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way,” he said.
Also present at the ceremony were Anthony Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to the President of Grassroots Sports Development and Sharif Inuwa, Chairman of the NFF Technical & Development Committee.
Others were; Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary; Emmanuel Ikpeme, NFF Deputy General Secretary; Augustine Eguavoen, Technical Director; NFF Congressmen Paul Edeh and Hassan Wada.
