Ex-Super Eagles defender reveals why Chelle isn’t at fault for Nigeria’s World Cup absence

Former Super Eagles and West Bromwich Albion left-back Ifeanyi Udeze had absolved Eric Chelle from any blame regarding Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Afrik Foot reports.

All hopes were dashed after the penalty shoot-out against DR Congo in November 2025.

While Stanley Nwabali denied the Congolese team twice from twelve yards, misses from Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi confirmed the three-time African Champions will miss consecutive World Cup tournaments, a feat that had never happened since their debut in the 1994 edition.

Eric Chelle was only able to guide Nigeria for 60% of that journey, as Finidi George and Jose Peseiro laid faulty foundations for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier campaign.

Why Chelle isn’t at fault for Super Eagles World Cup absence

Jose Peseiro led the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2024 final in Ivory Coast, where they lost to the hosts. His contract with the NFF expired shortly, although he’d already overseen draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Finidi George, Peseiro’s assistant at the time, was appointed in May 2024, but failed to secure wins against South Africa and the Republic of Benin, before tendering his resignation a month later.

Austin Eguavoen took over on interim basis, ensuring success in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers before Eric Chelle was appointed in January 2025, solely on the mandate of fixing the mistakes of his predecessors, but it was a little too late.

The Franco-Malian tactician helped Nigeria to a the play-offs spot after an emphatic 4-0 deadline win over Benin Republic. A victory over Gabon in the semi-final followed before the DR Congo game put his efforts to death.

Ifeanyi Udeze, speaking on Brila FM, revealed that Chelle did the best he could, but was let down by the players.

“I don’t think Chelle should be blamed for the Super Eagles’ inability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the former PAOK defender said.

“He joined the team when the situation was almost getting out of hand. He did not initiate the qualifying campaign from the beginning.

“However, I also think the qualifying playoff against DR Congo should have been an opportunity for the team to pick the ticket, but the team failed,” Ifeanyi Udeze concluded.

Eric Chelle has yet to lose a competitive game in 90 minutes since becoming Nigeria’s coach. He’s also won two Unity Cup tournaments with the Green and Whites.