AFCON 2025
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has identified the two matches he believes ultimately ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with Riadh Belaïche, the Franco-Malian tactician pointed to the 1-1 home draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo and the 1-1 away draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein as the decisive moments in the Super Eagles’ qualifying campaign.
Nigeria eventually missed out on top spot in Group C, finishing behind South Africa before suffering further heartbreak in the African playoffs, where they were eliminated on penalties by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Reflecting on the campaign, Chelle admitted the dropped points proved too costly for his side.
“I was appointed in January last year. When I arrived, Nigeria had three points out of 12, so we fought hard to try to qualify. Having reached the playoffs, we lost against the Democratic Republic of Congo. We lost on penalties; they deserved the victory.
“It’s true that in some matches, like against Zimbabwe, we drew at home while the match was in our hands. In the end, these two dropped points hurt us a lot. We drew in South Africa.
“Of course, we are disappointed because we felt we had the ability to qualify for the World Cup.”
The first of those costly results came at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where Nigeria looked destined to claim all three points after Victor Osimhen headed home Ola Aina’s cross in the 74th minute.
However, the Super Eagles failed to protect their lead, with Tawanda Chirewa scoring a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw for Zimbabwe. The result denied Nigeria two crucial points and dealt a significant blow to their qualification hopes.
Another missed opportunity came away to South Africa in Bloemfontein. Playing without injured striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeria fell behind in the first half after captain William Troost-Ekong inadvertently scored an own goal.
The Super Eagles responded through Calvin Bassey’s first-half equaliser and created several chances after the break, but neither side could find a winner as the match ended 1-1.
That result allowed Bafana Bafana to remain in control of Group C and kept Nigeria chasing instead of leading the standings.
Under the African qualification format, only the group winners earned automatic qualification to the World Cup. The four points dropped against Zimbabwe and South Africa ultimately proved decisive, forcing Nigeria into the playoffs rather than securing a direct ticket.
The Super Eagles’ hopes of reaching the tournament through the playoff route were eventually dashed after a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite the disappointment, Chelle remains committed to rebuilding the national team. The former Mali coach recently agreed a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation and has overseen an encouraging record of 16 wins, nine draws and just two defeats in 27 matches since taking charge.
With World Cup qualification now behind them, Chelle’s attention will turn to preparing the Super Eagles for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria looks to return to winning ways on the continental stage.
