Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has called on Super Eagles fans to rally behind the team as they prepare for a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
The Super Eagles stay third in Group C with 14 points after a tense 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, one point behind South Africa and three adrift of leaders Benin.
Chelle praised his players for their determination under pressure, saying the win was a vital step to keep Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive.
“Today, we are happy because we won the three points. We’re still alive, and maybe the journalists can do the mathematics,” he said after the game.
“I’m happy for my players, I want to congratulate them. We feel the pressure, and since March, every time my players come into camp, they feel it too.”
Super Eagles gaffer Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: X
Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the penalty spot before debutant Akor Adams doubled the lead, as Nigeria held off a late Lesotho fightback.
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Chelle admitted that the pressure surrounding Nigeria’s World Cup bid has been heavy, but insists his players understand what is at stake.
“For Nigeria, for our team, we need to travel, we need to go to the World Cup, so there’s a lot of pressure. This is not an excuse; it’s just the reality,” he added.
Nigeria Super Eagles and head coach Eric Chelle. Photo Credit X
The 46-year-old coach also looked ahead to the final group match against Benin Republic, where Nigeria must win and hope for a favourable result elsewhere.
“Maybe now, other teams will take some of that pressure too, and I’m happy about that, very happy. Because playing a game without anything at stake is not the same football.”
READ MORE: Troost-Ekong admits frustration as Super Eagles edge Lesotho to stay in World Cup race
Super Eagles coaching crew led by Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images
Chelle then appealed to fans to make their presence count as the Super Eagles aim to reach the 2026 finals.
“We need our fans behind us to put a lot of pressure on Benin Republic. We’re in Africa, so we need to make things tough for them. This is the World Cup qualifiers, the game starts when they put their feet in our country. We need to do the job on the pitch.”
Standings based on CAF updates as of 11 October 2025. Image Credit: Flashscore
Next fixtures
Tuesday 14 October 2025
Nigeria v Benin Republic — Uyo
South Africa v Rwanda — Mpumalanga
Lesotho v Zimbabwe — Polokwane
