Eric Chelle and Super Eagles players.
Copyright: Imago
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles took a huge step toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 4–1 extra-time victory over Gabon in Rabat, Soccernet.ng reports.
Head coach Eric Chelle believes the performance exhibits the identity Nigeria are gradually building under his watch.
Nigeria delivered a dominant display to overturn a tense match and secure their place in the World Cup play-off final against DR Congo.
Goals from Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and a late surge from Victor Osimhen sealed a memorable win, but the manager insisted the job is far from done.
INTO THE FINAL! pic.twitter.com/DyApTxNbDS
— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 13, 2025
Chelle emphasised that while the result was impressive, the team must remain grounded, focused, and ready for the next challenge, with just two days separating them from another decisive fixture.
What Eric Chelle Said After The Game Vs Gabon
Speaking after the emphatic victory, Chelle expressed pride in his players’ commitment and stressed that passion and unity were central to the win.
“I’m very proud of these guys because every time, they stay focused on what I ask and what I want — and they show it on the pitch.
“Once again, the word for today was passion. During the team talk, it was about passion, working together, and having the same mindset. They did it.
“But the reality is that this is nothing yet, because in two days we have another game. Maybe after the second game, we will go home with a smile.” Chelle said in his post-match conference.
Speaking further, the Malian gaffer revealed the progress the squad has made under his leadership and noted that building a strong identity has been key since he took charge.
“I don’t want to talk about what happened before. Since I came, we’ve tried to work and create an identity.
“We always talk about the game — the sport project. The sport project is very important, and the game model too.
“The most important thing for a team is to create an identity: how you play in defence and how you play in attack. That’s why we try to improve every time, in every FIFA window.” he added.
The coach admitted that short international windows limit preparation, but he praised the players’ growing understanding of his philosophy.
“But you know how it is during FIFA windows — many times, you only get two or three training sessions.
“Now, this group, these guys, they’ve improved mentally, technically, and they understand what I want to do with them.” Chelle said.
Super Eagles’ Next Match Vs Gabon
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the World Cup play-off final against DR Congo, who stunned Cameroon with a stoppage-time winner to advance.
The Super Eagles will be without Wilfred Ndidi due to suspension, while several other key players—including Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Stanley Nwabali, Frank Onyeka, and Amas Obasogie—are one yellow card away from missing the inter-confederation playoff should Nigeria qualify.
The stakes could not be higher as Chelle’s men prepare for another high-pressure encounter, with a place in the final qualifying stage for the 2026 World Cup on the line.