Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle expressed his disappointment following Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, emphasizing that his side could have dominated the match.
In a post-match interview with journalists on Tuesday, Chelle stated that his team’s performance was promising yet frustrating.
“Normally, we can score maybe ten goals in the first half,” he remarked, adding that the Eagles’ offensive potential was not fully realized during the game. Despite their energetic play, the coach believed the team deserved a win, calling them “the best on the pitch.”
The draw, which saw Nigeria pick up just seven points from six matches, has cast doubts over their chances in Group C. With the group currently led by South Africa (13 points) and closely followed by Rwanda and the Benin Republic (both with 8 points), the Eagles’ quest for a direct World Cup ticket appears increasingly challenging. Only the group winner will secure an automatic berth, while the runner-up could still progress to the playoffs, provided they rank among the top four second-placed teams across the continent.
Reflecting on the match, Chelle admitted that while the team showed improvement in intensity and aggressiveness with the ball, there is still work to be done.
“Maybe I need some time with the players to shape them into my ideal unit,” he said, indicating that further adjustments and more time together might be necessary before the team can perform at its peak.
Chelle’s remarks come at a critical juncture for the Eagles as they prepare for upcoming fixtures in the World Cup qualification campaign.
The coach’s candid assessment underscores the high expectations and pressure on the team, as well as his commitment to continuous improvement despite the setbacks.
The Super Eagles will look to regroup and address their shortcomings as they seek to climb the Group C standings and secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup.