Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign is hanging by a thread, but head coach Eric Chelle insists the Super Eagles are not finished yet, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles return to action this month with back-to-back fixtures that could decide their fate. They host Rwanda in Uyo on 6 September before travelling to the controversial Bloemfontein to face group leaders South Africa three days later.
Nigeria currently have seven points, trailing South Africa on 13, while Rwanda and Benin are tied on eight. Only the top team qualifies directly for the World Cup, with the four best second-placed sides moving to the CAF playoffs.
The outlook appears tough, but Chelle is refusing to accept the idea that Nigeria’s campaign is already over. Speaking to UK-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, as reported report by Pulse Sports, the coach said that the players are motivated to defy the odds.
“People have already written us off. But I am not bothered by that. I am concentrating on preparing my players for the remaining four matches that we have,” Chelle said.
“I think that we are going to surprise a lot of people,” the Franco-Malian tactician, who was appointed earlier this year to steady Nigeria after a slow start to the qualifiers, added.
Nigeria’s struggles earlier in the campaign included dropped points at home to Zimbabwe. However, the 2-0 victory against Rwanda in Kigali last March, sealed by a Victor Osimhen brace, showed glimpses of the team’s potential under Chelle.
