National Teams
Unbeaten run under Eric Chelle revives Super Eagles’ identity
By Dayo Awoniyi
Nigeria’s Super Eagles may have missed out on automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but under new head coach Eric Chelle, the team has experienced a significant revival—going unbeaten in six qualifying matches and restoring a sense of identity and purpose.
Since Chelle’s appointment, the Super Eagles have displayed newfound tactical discipline, resilience, and cohesion.
Once plagued by inconsistency and defensive lapses, the team has been transformed into one of the most balanced and confident sides on the continent.
Chelle’s influence has been particularly evident in the way Nigeria blends its traditional attacking flair with renewed structural organization on the pitch.
Throughout the qualification run, the Super Eagles recorded four victories and two draws, including a crucial away win against Rwanda and a hard-fought point in South Africa.
However, a 1–1 draw with Zimbabwe, in which Nigeria surrendered a second-half lead, ultimately proved costly in the qualification race.
Despite that setback, Chelle’s tenure has been widely praised by analysts and supporters, many of whom argue that an earlier appointment might have changed the team’s fortunes.
The coach’s emphasis on intensity, tactical awareness, and mental toughness has not only delivered results but also rekindled belief in a squad that had struggled for direction.
While the World Cup ticket remains elusive for now, the Chelle era has brought signs of a new beginning.
The unbeaten run, combined with visible improvements in cohesion and confidence, suggests that Nigeria’s national team is once again on the rise—this time with a clearer identity and renewed ambition.
