BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 31: Eric Chelle, head coach of Nigeria, before the Unity Cup Final match between Jamaica and Nigeria at Gtech Community Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is not letting Thursday’s 4–1 victory over Gabon cloud his judgment as Nigeria prepares for an all-important showdown against the Democratic Republic of Congo. Speaking to the media, the Malian tactician made it clear that while his players delivered when it mattered, they must step things up for Sunday’s final in Rabat.
Nigeria will battle DR Congo at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Inter-Continental Playoffs—a decisive step toward returning to the global stage in USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite the convincing victory over Gabon, Chelle insists there’s no room for complacency.
“We did a lot of good things, but bad things too. We have to correct some things for the second game,” he said. “I want us to do better in the second game against DR Congo.”
The coach praised his players’ unity and mental strength:
“We deserved this victory. I am happy for my players. They work together. If they win, they are together. If they lose, they are together. I am very proud of the guys because they are focused on what I want.”
This kind of chemistry—especially in a high-pressure mini-tournament—is one of the reasons Nigeria has emerged as one of the standout teams in the current African qualifiers.
Chelle also broke down what went right and wrong in the semi-final against Gabon.
“In the first 30 minutes, we were so good with the intensity, aggression and ball possession,” he explained. “In the first half we had many situations to score a goal.”
A system tweak early in the second half delivered the breakthrough, but a lapse in positioning gifted Gabon the equaliser.
“We didn’t think we would go to extra time,” Chelle admitted.
Thankfully for Nigeria, extra time belonged to the Super Eagles—particularly Victor Osimhen, whose brace restored confidence and brought him closer to Rashidi Yekini’s legendary scoring record.
As one of Africa’s biggest football brands, the Super Eagles’ performances have major implications:
Increased fan engagement across digital platforms
Boosted merchandise and ticket demand
Higher viewership for broadcasters like SuperSport, StarTimes, and Sporty TV
Rising market value for players performing on the big stage
For sports fans, analysts, and brands watching closely, this final against DR Congo isn’t just a match—it’s a moment with massive sporting and commercial potential.
With Chelle’s tactical sharpness, Osimhen’s fiery form, and the Super Eagles’ renewed sense of unity, Nigeria heads into Sunday’s clash with belief—but also clear areas to improve.
If they get it right, the dream of returning to the World Cup will move one giant step closer.
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