The Nigeria Football Federation is facing mounting pressure to dismiss head coach Eric Chelle following the Super Eagles' failure to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Heartbreak in World Cup Playoff
Nigeria's dream of competing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended in dramatic fashion after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the African play-off final. The match had finished 1-1 after extra time, leaving the Super Eagles unable to secure one of Africa's slots at the expanded 48-team tournament.
This marks the second consecutive World Cup that Nigeria will miss, intensifying scrutiny on the team and its coaching setup. The disappointing result has sparked outrage among former players and fans alike, with many calling for immediate changes.
Former Eagles Star Demands Action
Former Super Eagles defender Sam Elijah did not mince words in his assessment of the situation, insisting the NFF must take decisive action against the under-fire coach.
"I am a coach, and for me, yes, he should be sacked because he did not give us the World Cup ticket," Elijah stated emphatically.
The former defender drew comparisons to previous coach Augustine Eguavoen, arguing that if his predecessor was asked to step aside for failing to qualify, Chelle should face the same scrutiny. "What are we looking for? If we cannot go to the World Cup, then he has no business being the national team coach."
Turbulent Qualifying Campaign
The call for Chelle's dismissal highlights the growing frustration following Nigeria's disjointed qualifying campaign, which included three managerial changes and training boycotts. Chelle, who replaced Augustine Eguavoen as head coach, has faced relentless pressure to deliver results despite having a stacked squad.
Despite featuring top talents such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, Nigeria could not overcome DR Congo in the decisive playoff. The loss raises serious questions about Chelle's ability to inspire a team capable of competing on the global stage.
Nigeria's World Cup history makes the current failure particularly painful. The 1994 World Cup in the United States marked Nigeria's debut, where they reached the Round of 16 and established the Super Eagles as a force in African football.
Road to Redemption at AFCON 2025
Despite the World Cup disappointment, Nigeria will now turn its attention to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco. Drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, the Super Eagles will aim to restore national pride on the continental stage.
Nigeria came agonizingly close to winning the competition in their last appearance in Ivory Coast, losing 2-1 to the hosts in the 2024 final. While the World Cup setback has cast a shadow over the team, the AFCON presents an opportunity for redemption.
The tournament will serve as a crucial test for Chelle, if retained, or a potential new coach to demonstrate leadership and reignite Nigeria's competitive edge. The NFF now faces a critical decision that could shape the future of Nigerian football for years to come.
