‘This Is Nothing’ – Eric Chelle Tells Super Eagles After Win Over Gabon

14 Nov 2025, 12:03 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has told his players to stay grounded despite their convincing 4-1 win over Gabon, stressing that the real work lies ahead as Nigeria prepares for Sunday’s decisive clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria swept aside the Panthers on Thursday night in Rabat to book a place in the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs. The win lifted spirits among supporters, yet Eric Chelle refused to let the excitement cloud his squad’s focus.

“They did (win vs Gabon), but this is nothing because they have another game in two days. May be after the second game, we can smile,” Chelle said during his post-match briefing.

The Super Eagles are set to return to the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex for Sunday’s final. The match, which starts at 8pm Nigerian time, will determine who advances to the Intercontinental playoffs.

Although Chelle applauded the purposeful attacking play that brought down Gabon, he noted that the performance still left room for improvement. He was clear in what he expects next.

“We did a lot of good things (vs Gabon), but bad things too. We have to correct some things for the second game but I am confident of my players and what they have done,” he stated.

Naija News reports that DR Congo reached the final after edging Cameroon 1-0 in a cagey contest.