Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become one of the most nerve-wracking stories in African football, and the man in the middle of it all, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, is still holding on to hope.

After a frustrating 1-1 draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein, the Super Eagles remain stuck in third place in Group C with only 11 points from eight games. 

It’s a record that hardly inspires confidence, two wins, five draws, and one painful loss to Benin Republic. But despite the numbers, Chelle insists the door to the World Cup isn’t completely shut.

Speaking after the South Africa game, the coach made it clear that his players still have something to fight for. “We are professionals,” he said. “It’s still two games, and for sure these players want to win them.” For him, football is unpredictable enough that Nigeria’s slim chances shouldn’t be written off just yet.

The situation, however, is complicated. Nigeria must win their last two matches, while also relying on South Africa and Benin Republic to slip up.

The lifeline could come from an eligibility issue involving South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena, who was fielded against Lesotho despite reportedly being suspended. If CAF decides in Nigeria’s favour, the group table could change dramatically.

For now, though, Chelle is urging calm and focus. His belief is that anything can happen in football, and the best the Super Eagles can do is take maximum points from their remaining fixtures. Still, the reality is harsh: South Africa lead with 17 points, Benin sit second with 14, and Nigeria’s fate is no longer in their own hands.

Even with Chelle’s optimism, fans know that qualification is hanging by the thinnest of threads. Missing out on the 2026 World Cup would be a bitter blow for a nation that prides itself on its footballing pedigree. 

But for Chelle, there’s no time for despair. The message is simple, fight until the very end.