Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has laid out the steps the Super Eagles must take to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also explaining why star striker Victor Osimhen was left out of the squad for the recent Unity Cup and upcoming friendly against Russia.
Chelle, who remains unbeaten since taking charge—securing three wins and one draw from four matches—used the June international window to assess new players and build squad depth.
Speaking after the Unity Cup, he expressed both satisfaction and caution.
“We have a crucial objective in September, i saw this period as an opportunity to give several players a chance to prove themselves, and I’m proud of the way they responded. With just two or three training sessions, they gave everything. That’s the reality.”Chelle said.
Reflecting on the Unity Cup performance, he praised the attacking display but highlighted areas for improvement.
“We scored goals, created chances, and showed good signs in our overall play. But we still have work to do. There are weaknesses we need to fix. We must grow stronger as a group and as a team, especially if we’re serious about reaching the World Cup.”
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Chelle stressed that physical readiness, team cohesion, and mental resilience would be decisive in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
“What matters most is playing together in both attack and defence, we have to keep improving, both physically and mentally. We must become true warriors on the pitch. ”he said.
Super Eagles after winning the Unity Cup in London, England. Photo Credit: X
Nigeria currently sit in a competitive position in their qualifying group, with four matches remaining: they will host Rwanda and travel to South Africa in September, before closing out the series in October against Lesotho (away) and Benin Republic (home).
The Super Eagles’ next test comes in a friendly against Russia, a match Chelle believes will help further assess tactical progress and squad depth.
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Chelle also addressed the absence of Victor Osimhen, confirming the decision was made to protect the Napoli striker during an intense transfer window.
“For him, it’s difficult to come for this game because he’s just played a season under a lot of pressure, the reality is that we are in a transfer window, and during this time, a player like him can’t be fully focused. ”Chelle told BBC Sport Africa.
“I need to protect him both physically and mentally because he might be on the verge of a transfer — maybe to a club like Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, or Real Madrid. He needs to concentrate on that.”
Chelle described Osimhen as “the best striker in the world” and affirmed his long-term importance to the Super Eagles’ ambitions.
