Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has declared that Nigeria will not allow South Africa to dictate play when both sides clash in September’s must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Chelle made a strong start to his tenure with a 2-0 victory over Rwanda but faced an early setback when Nigeria conceded a late equalizer in Uyo, resulting in a frustrating 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
That result left fans disappointed and put the Super Eagles in a difficult position in Group C.
As the qualifiers resume in September, Nigeria will take on Rwanda and South Africa, needing maximum points to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The Super Eagles currently sit fourth in the group with seven points from six games; six points behind leaders South Africa.
Their upcoming clash with Bafana Bafana carries added weight, given their recent encounters. Nigeria defeated South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), advancing via penalties after a tense battle.
While South Africa went on to finish third, Nigeria fell short in the final, losing to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
For Chelle, facing South Africa is familiar territory. As Mali’s head coach at AFCON 2023, he orchestrated a dominant 2-0 group-stage victory over Bafana Bafana. Now, he aims to replicate that success with Nigeria.
However, Chelle has made it clear that his immediate focus is on Rwanda, the first of their two September qualifiers.
“It’s an obligation we win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo,” Chelle told SCORENigeria.
“South Africa are a good side, but for that game we cannot afford to allow them play. But first, we have to beat Rwanda at home and then we will focus on the game in South Africa.”
Before those crucial fixtures, the Super Eagles will face Russia in an international friendly in June.
They will participate in a four-nation invitational tournament featuring Jamaica and Ghana, providing additional preparation time ahead of their decisive World Cup qualifiers.
