Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has insisted his team will keep fighting for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein denting their hopes.
Naija News reports that the result leaves Nigeria sitting third in Group B with 11 points from eight matches, meaning the Eagles must win their last two fixtures to stand any chance of qualifying for the tournament in North America.
Chelle admitted the draw was a setback but stressed that his players remain determined to push until the very end.
The coach who spoke after the disappointing match said, “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.”
The Eagles will resume their qualifying campaign next month with an away clash against Lesotho, before wrapping up their group matches with a decisive home tie against the Squirrels of the Benin Republic.
Chelle emphasised that while the task looks daunting, the team will not surrender.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken a swipe at Super Eagles striker, Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong following Tuesday’s disappointing 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
Naija News reports that the result leaves Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for next year’s tournament in North America hanging by a thread, with just two games left to play.
The Eagles’ troubles began as early as the eighth minute when defender Ola Aina limped off injured. Matters worsened in the 25th minute when Troost-Ekong mistakenly swept the ball into his own net, gifting Bafana Bafana the lead.
The post Super Eagles Coach, Chelle Speaks On Draw With South Africa appeared first on Naija News.
