Nigeria Coach Eric Chelle Reveals Strategy for World Cup Qualifiers Against Rwanda and South Africa

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has outlined his approach to securing maximum points in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and Bafana Bafana during the international break in September. With the Super Eagles currently under immense pressure to qualify, Chelle is determined to turn their campaign around.

The West African giants have struggled in Group C, where high-flying South Africa leads the standings. Nigeria managed a win against Rwanda and a draw with Zimbabwe during the March international break. However, in June 2024, under then-coach Finidi George, the Super Eagles could only muster a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana in Uyo.

After six matches, Nigeria sits fourth with seven points, trailing leaders South Africa by six points. With only four rounds of matches remaining, the team needs to deliver outstanding performances in their upcoming fixtures to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Chelle is confident in his ability to outmaneuver South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, and secure victory against Rwanda. He emphasized the importance of winning both matches but acknowledged that the first step is securing three points at home.

“It’s an obligation we win in South Africa, but the most important match for us right now is Rwanda in Uyo,” Chelle told SCORENigeria.

“South Africa are a good side, but for that game, we cannot afford to allow them to play. But first, we have to beat Rwanda at home and then we will focus on the game in South Africa.”

Nigeria will first host Rwanda in Uyo before traveling to face Bafana Bafana in South Africa. The venues and times for these matches are yet to be confirmed, but the stakes could not be higher as the Super Eagles seek to reignite their World Cup qualification campaign.