Eric Chelle Eyes World Cup Playoff Success As Inspiration For 2025 AFCON Glory

07 Nov 2025, 06:41 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, says Nigeria’s performance in next week’s crucial 2026 World Cup playoffs will shape his drive to lead the team to victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Eric Chelle has made it clear that winning the continental title is at the top of his agenda. But he knows that ambition could suffer a setback if Nigeria fails to progress from the inter-continental playoffs and keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The Super Eagles endured a tough qualifying campaign, going winless in their first four matches and missing out on an automatic place at the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their only path now runs through the African playoffs.

Nigeria faces Gabon in one of the semi-finals next Thursday, with a possible final clash against either DR Congo or Cameroon for a ticket to the inter-continental stage.

“Since March, we’ve played every match under pressure. When we set foot in Morocco, that pressure will be familiar. We’ll be mentally ready and in a collective mindset. If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult.

“Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches. If we win the first (Gabon), we’ll aim for the second, then turn to AFCON. We’re working in parallel, but our mindset must first be on those immediate tests. When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything. But we proceed with humility, with a smile and a will to work. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated and united, nothing is impossible,” Eric Chelle told CAFOnline.

If the Super Eagles navigate the playoffs successfully, Chelle will turn his full attention to the AFCON, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, last lifted the trophy in 2013 and narrowly lost the final of the last edition to hosts Ivory Coast.

Asked about his target for the tournament, Eric Chelle said, “Of course, we want to win it. Personally, I want to win AFCON. My last, and first AFCON, was a fantastic experience. I think Morocco will be a great tournament, too. The players feel the same.”