Within the instant aftermath of Nigeria nationwide soccer crew’s emphatic 4–0 demolition of Benin nationwide soccer crew, head coach Eric Chelle was an image of satisfaction and realism.
The victory, their most convincing efficiency within the qualifiers to date, got here too late to grab the group’s computerized World Cup ticket after South Africa nationwide soccer crew secured high spot with a 3–0 win over Rwanda nationwide soccer crew.
Nigeria should now navigate the unforgiving playoff path to maintain their dream of enjoying on the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
“I’m so happy with my gamers. They deserve this sport. As a result of it was not straightforward with the brand new coach, with the brand new philosophy, to react instantly sooner. So now we go to Morocco,” Chelle advised journalists post-match.
“This isn’t completed, that is the start. It is going to be very, very, very tough. So tonight I’m simply comfortable for my gamers. They performed an awesome sport. Particularly the most effective striker on the earth. And all of the gamers, they gave all the pieces. For me, for positive, they’re my champions.”
Chelle’s rallying cry
Chelle, who solely not too long ago took cost of the crew, has steadied the ship after a turbulent qualification marketing campaign marked by inconsistent outcomes and intense scrutiny.
“The soccer is like that. Typically you make a mistake, you might be misplaced. However they just like the nation, Nigeria. They provide all the pieces. If we win, that is collectively. If we lose, if we die, that is collectively,” he mentioned.
“I’m so happy with my gamers. I’m so happy with my nation. This isn’t completed. So thanks very a lot for all the pieces. And now we have now loads of work to do.”
For Nigeria, “loads of work” means a two-step playoff battle in Morocco to maintain their 2026 hopes intact. One slip, and qualification, already hanging by a thread, might be gone.
Troost-Ekong hits again at Critics
The evening additionally belonged to captain William Troost-Ekong, who used the post-match press convention to handle the criticism that has dogged each him and the crew in current months; from on-pitch errors to off-field social media habits.
“Thanks everybody. I used to be trying ahead to this press convention after the primary sport. I need to begin by asking everybody to place their fingers collectively for this coach,” he started.
“I’m so, so proud to be a Tremendous Eagle. I’m so, so proud to be a part of this crew, a part of this household. There’s at all times a lot to be mentioned about this crew. I do know that it comes from a spot of affection. Everybody loves the Tremendous Eagles. Everybody desires Nigeria to do properly.”
Troost-Ekong confused that gamers deserve room to precise themselves, declaring that soccer tradition has advanced over time.
“The blokes get pleasure from themselves. They don’t behave any totally different than when they’re on the membership. They’re performing. Everybody loves them there. It’s time that we proceed to help this crew,” he mentioned.
From criticism to management
Troost-Ekong has endured a rocky qualifying marketing campaign, from the pricey equalizer conceded towards Zimbabwe nationwide soccer crew to an personal aim in South Africa, however his response was emblematic of management. He stepped as much as rating a vital penalty towards Lesotho nationwide soccer crew and led by instance towards Benin.
“It’s not straightforward to put on this shirt. It’s very heavy. It’s not straightforward to carry out and make everybody comfortable, however we’re all making an attempt. One factor that we are able to at all times say about this crew is that we at all times give all the pieces,” he mentioned.
“Frank Onyeka comes on and scores the fourth aim. You’ll be able to discuss Victor Osimhen, who deserves all of the reward he will get. However this reveals what the crew is about, competitors, contribution, and dedication.”
He additionally reminded the press of the context typically forgotten by critics.
“We had 4 totally different coaches in these qualifiers. There’s been a lot change inside this crew, however the boys try. It’s not straightforward after we’re collectively just for six, seven days with two video games throughout Africa. However the extra time we spend collectively, the extra we’ll enhance.”
Strain and Satisfaction
Dealing with a query on how the crew dealt with strain, Troost-Ekong was direct:
“We’ve been underneath strain from the beginning. That’s a actuality. However the boys are actually studying to deal with that strain. It’s not been straightforward. If we might rating 4 targets each sport, then we’d signal for that proper now. We’ve got superb gamers. Everyone seems to be working. We simply want everybody else to additionally consider in us now.”
The victory over Benin was extra than simply three factors. It was an announcement, that this era of Tremendous Eagles nonetheless believes.
READ ALSO: Tinubu rallies Tremendous Eagles to soar into 2026 World Cup
The larger image
Nigeria’s failure to safe high spot means they need to now survive the high-stakes CAF playoff to maintain their World Cup dream alive. Traditionally, the Tremendous Eagles have reached six World Cups since 1994, lacking out solely twice.
However this journey has been something however clean. 4 totally different coaches in a single qualifying marketing campaign, inconsistent performances, and intense public strain have formed a difficult street to 2026. Now, all eyes flip to Morocco.
For Chelle, Troost-Ekong, and the crew, the message is obvious: the actual battle begins now.
“This isn’t completed,” Chelle reminded the nation. “It’s only the start.”
