Eric Chelle on brink of history as Nigeria eye 11-game unbeaten run vs DR Congo

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigeria senior men’s national team are on the verge of a historic achievement as they prepare to face DR Congo this Sunday in the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.

A victory for Nigeria would extend Coach Éric Sékou Chelle’s unbeaten run to 11 matches—marking the longest streak by any Super Eagles manager in recent history.

Under Chelle, Nigeria has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from a team in crisis to one with renewed purpose and stability.

Before Chelle’s arrival, the Super Eagles had endured a frustrating 1,224-day wait for a World Cup qualifying victory, a drought that lasted from their 2-0 win over Liberia in November 2021 until March 2025.

That barren spell was finally broken on March 21, 2025, when Nigeria triumphed 2-0 over Rwanda in Kigali, a result that marked the beginning of a new era for the team.

Since that breakthrough, the Super Eagles have gone unbeaten in their last 10 matches under Chelle, securing six wins and four draws. The revitalized squad has shown resilience and determination, with a series of solid performances that have kept their World Cup dream alive.

A win over DR Congo would not only stretch Nigeria’s unbeaten streak but would also bring them to within one match of securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Victory would see them become either the 47th or 48th team to qualify for the tournament, and more importantly, it would position them as one of Africa’s top two representatives heading into the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.

With qualification within reach, the Super Eagles would then need just one more win to seal their World Cup spot.

Beyond the immediate significance of Sunday’s clash, the match also carries potential to build momentum for Nigeria’s upcoming campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next month.

A victory would not only extend Chelle’s unbeaten run but also boost morale ahead of the continental tournament, where Nigeria will aim for a deep run.

Chelle’s impact since taking over has been profound, injecting fresh energy into the team. His strategic approach, tactical discipline, and ability to bring out the best in his players have earned him praise from fans and pundits alike.

A win against DR Congo would further cement his legacy as one of the Super Eagles’ most successful coaches in recent memory.

As the Super Eagles head into the final stretch of World Cup qualification, all eyes will be on Chelle and his squad as they aim for a place in football’s biggest tournament and continue their unbeaten streak.

A historic achievement is within their grasp, but DR Congo stands as the next challenge in what has been a compelling and transformative journey for Nigerian football.

ÉRIC SÉKOU CHELLE’S SUPER EAGLES RECORD:

• 21 Mar 2025: Rwanda 0-2 Nigeria (World Cup Q, Kigali)

• 25 Mar 2025: Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (World Cup Q, Uyo)

• 28 May 2025: Nigeria 2-1 Ghana (Unity Cup, London)

• 31 May 2025: Jamaica 2-2 Nigeria — Nigeria win 5-4 on pens (Unity Cup, London)

• 06 Jun 2025: Russia 1-1 Nigeria (Friendly, Moscow)

• 06 Sep 2025: Nigeria 1-0 Rwanda (World Cup Q, Uyo)

• 09 Sep 2025: South Africa 1-1 Nigeria (World Cup Q, Bloemfontein)

• 10 Oct 2025: Lesotho 1-2 Nigeria (World Cup Q, Polokwane)

• 14 Oct 2025: Nigeria 4-0 Benin Republic (World Cup Q, Uyo)

• 13 Nov 2025: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (World Cup Playoff, Rabat)

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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