Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has swiftly redirected his attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following Nigeria's painful failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
World Cup Dream Ends in Rabat
The Nigerian national team suffered a devastating 4-3 defeat against DR Congo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff held in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday, November 16. This crushing loss means the Super Eagles will miss their second consecutive World Cup after also failing to reach the 2022 edition in Qatar.
According to reports from BBC, the 48-year-old Franco-Malian coach had a specific mandate in his contract, signed in January 2025, to qualify the three-time African champions for the World Cup in USA, Canada, and Mexico. His inability to deliver this crucial objective had put his position under serious scrutiny.
Chelle's Redemption Mission Begins
Despite the World Cup setback, Eric Chelle is now fully focused on preparing the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for December 21 to January 18, 2026 in Morocco.
Sources close to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) indicate that Chelle has already compiled his squad list for the continental tournament. The NFF has been impressed with the transformation and aggressiveness the coach has brought to the team since taking over during a difficult period in the World Cup qualifiers.
Chelle assumed control after the dismissal of Jose Peseiro and resignation of Finidi George, inheriting a team that was languishing in fifth position in their qualification group with three draws and one loss. Under his guidance, the Super Eagles recorded an impressive turnaround with four wins and two draws, eventually finishing second in CAF qualification Group C with 17 points, behind South Africa's Bafana Bafana.
NFF Backs Chelle for AFCON Campaign
OwnGoal Nigeria reports that the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to retain Eric Chelle for the AFCON tournament despite his failure to meet the World Cup qualification clause in his contract. The short time before the tournament appears to be a significant factor in their decision.
An NFF source revealed that Chelle has been given a clear mandate: reach the final of AFCON 2025. The source explained that had Chelle successfully qualified for the inter-continental playoffs, the expectation would have been a semi-final appearance at AFCON.
The coach himself has expressed determination to move forward, stating the team needs to regroup with the World Cup disappointment behind them and focus entirely on AFCON preparations.
Chelle brings previous AFCON experience to the role, having reached the quarterfinals of the 2023 tournament with host nation Ivory Coast, where his team was eliminated 2-1 during extra time.
In related developments, Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for their spirited performance in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
