Eric Chelle extends impressive Super Eagles record despite South Africa setback

Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle continues to build momentum as Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach, extending his unbeaten run to seven matches since taking charge.

The team’s confidence is noticeably growing under his leadership despite recent challenges in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Chelle’s record includes three wins, notably two competitive victories against Rwanda and a morale-boosting friendly victory over Ghana during the Unity Cup earlier this year in London.

Alongside these successes, Nigeria has drawn three matches during various competitions, including the hard-fought and infamous 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein.

Although the draw against South Africa tempered Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, leaving them six points behind the group leaders with just two games remaining in the World Cup qualifiers, it has not diminished the progress Chelle has made with the squad.

His tactical approach and ability to steady the team have helped arrest earlier costly inconsistencies in the campaign under Super Eagles legend Finidi George and Jose Peseiro.

Despite setbacks such as the costly own goal by captain William Troost-Ekong against South Africa and criticism of key players like Cyriel Dessers, Chelle’s Super Eagles have shown resilience, generating a solid foundation for the future.

With upcoming fixtures critical for Nigeria’s hopes to stay alive in the qualifiers, Chelle’s unbeaten streak is a promising sign that the team can regroup and push for results.

As the coach prepares Nigeria for their next game against Lesotho, optimism remains that the Super Eagles can harness this positive run and rekindle their 2026 World Cup ambitions.