‘Super Eagles needed pressure, ridicule to perform’ – Eric Chelle encourages online banter ahead of World Cup playoffs

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle admits that what his squad needed at this stage was not comfort, but a push. After a stuttering qualification campaign that saw the three-time African champions drop too many points with five draws in ten matches, Chelle says the team needed both pressure and ridicule to sharpen up. 

Nigeria may have failed to snag an automatic berth for the FIFA World Cup 2026, but by securing a convincing 4-0 win over Benin on the final day they nonetheless earned a path into the playoffs.

Chelle praised the fans for their role in that turnaround. “Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces. We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players,” he told Eagle7 FM.

He then made his plea to Super Eagles fans ahead of the crucial playoff round: “I ask them this: They have to do this [for the playoffs]… I plan to do my best for Nigeria and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.” 

Super Eagles playoff route presents a historic matchup

While the road to the finals now becomes longer and tougher, Chelle sees it as an opportunity. The Super Eagles must now thrive under the weight of expectation, turn criticism into motivation and harness the energy of a demanding home audience. It is a psychological kilometer in the journey to Qatar-style drama in 2026.

The World Cup qualifiers resume next month and Nigeria face Gabon national football team in the Africa World Cup play-offs semifinal and if they scale through to the final, they face either DR Congo national football team or Cameroon national football team.

“Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war but it is like a war,” Chelle said. “My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.” 

Nigeria will be aiming to extend their 36-year unbeaten record against Gabon when the two sides clash for a spot in the World Cup playoff final. In nine previous meetings, the Super Eagles have won five and drawn three, with their only defeat coming in a 1990 World Cup qualifier on June 25, 1989.