Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has declared that Nigeria’s performance in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs will be the critical catalyst for their campaign to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
After a stuttering qualifying round that saw the team fail to secure an automatic World Cup ticket, the Super Eagles must now navigate a tricky playoff path. They are set to face Gabon in a semi-final clash next Thursday, with the winner progressing to a final against either Cameroon or DR Congo for a chance at the inter-continental playoffs.
In an interview with CAFOnline, Coach Chelle emphasized that the pressure of the playoffs is the perfect preparation for the continental tournament. He stated that success in these crucial matches would build an unstoppable momentum for the team.
“Since March, we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar… If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult,” Chelle affirmed.
Setting a bold target, the coach left no room for ambiguity about his ultimate ambition. “When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything… Of course, we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON,” he stated, while also stressing the need for humility, unity, and serious focus from his star-studded squad.
The three-time African champions last won the AFCON title in 2013 and are eager to reclaim continental glory.
