Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle praised his players’ “passion” and “focus” after the Super Eagles overpowered Gabon 4–1 after extra time to reach the African World Cup play-offs final in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Eagles had looked set to win the match in regulation time when Akor Adams punished a poor back pass in the 78th minute. But Gabon forced extra time through Mario Lemina’s deflected effort in the 89th minute.
Nigeria responded decisively, with Chidera Ejuke restoring the lead in added time before Victor Osimhen struck twice to seal a commanding victory.
Chelle said the performance reflected the discipline his team has embraced since he took charge.
“I’m very proud of these guys, because every time they stay focused on what I ask,” he said. “They show what I want and they can prove it.”
Head of the Super Eagles Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: X
Nigeria controlled long spells of the match despite the late setback, pushing forward aggressively in the first half and forcing Gabon goalkeeper Loyce Mbaba into key saves. Osimhen also missed a stoppage-time chance to win it before making amends in extra time.
Photo Credit: Poojamedia
Chelle highlighted the unity and collective effort that carried the team through the tense moments in Rabat.
“The word today was passion, working together and having the same mindset,” he added. “We needed that, and they delivered.”
The Malian coach refused to dwell on the off-field issues that surrounded the team earlier in the week, insisting that his staff and players are focused on building a recognisable identity on the pitch.
“I don’t want to talk about what happened before,” he said. “Since I came, we try to work, we try to create an identity. The most important thing is how we play in defence and how we play in offence.”
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He explained that even the limited preparation time during international windows has not stopped the team from developing.
“We try to improve every FIFA window,” Chelle said. “Sometimes we have only two or three sessions, but these guys improve mentally and technically. They understand what I want to do for them.”
Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen celebrating the opener in Rabat. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
Chelle remains unbeaten as Nigeria’s coach after 10 matches in charge, including seven World Cup qualifiers without a single defeat.
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Nigeria now face DR Congo in Sunday’s African play-offs final, with the winner advancing to the March 2026 Intercontinental Play-offs for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
