Super Eagles Won't Give Up On W'Cup Ticket - Chelle - The Whistler Newspaper

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Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has backed the team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the disappointing 1-1 draw against South Africa.

Nigeria's hope of finishing top of the group was dented with the draw as South Africa held on to the grip of the group with three points clear of second-placed Benin Republic.

The Super Eagles occupy the third position in Group C with 11 points from eight games, six points behind leaders South Africa.

Chelle is confident that the team can go all the way to beat South Africa to the sole ticket in Group C.

He said: "We tried, [the players] gave everything to try to win and, like I said, it's difficult to come here and hope for a win because this team is very good, their wingers are very fast, and the striker keeps the ball well.

"During this game, for just 10 seconds, we were not in a good position and they killed us, so after that we came back in the game because we were ready for that, and the state of mind of the players was to come back and try to score a goal, but South Africa is a good team."

"My players are professionals and I know they will still want to win the remaining two games.

"A lot can happen over the next one month. But before that, we will have to analyse our performance tonight, which will not be easy.

"Once again this is a big game. There is stress, there is tension. You can say something badly and sometimes you have to fight, not a real fight, but you need to manage it.

"Sometimes it is difficult because of the pressure. This is normal when both benches want to win. You know every decision of the referee, one of the benches is not agreeing with it. This is football."

Chelle also admitted that Ola Aina's injury disrupted his tactical plans.

He said: "For sure it was difficult because we used a substitute.

"For the game plan we needed to think about another thing. Bright coming onto the pitch gave everything. This team gave everything, and tried to win."

Next up for the Super Eagles is an away clash against Lesotho on October 6 followed by a home clash against Benin Republic on October 13.