Eric Chelle suffers another major blow as in-form Super Eagles star is set to miss South Africa clash

Embattled Nigeria men’s national team coach Eric Chelle's job just got harder ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa. 

Chelle is currently facing intense criticism from fans and the media following the home-based Super Eagles’ catastrophic 4-0 loss to Sudan in their African Nations Championship (CHAN) clash. 

The 47-year-old tactician has now received more bad news following the defeat, after it was revealed that he would likely be without Cyriel Dessers for the Super Eagles' important September World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. 

Dessers picked up an injury in the second half of Rangers' Champions League qualifying clash against Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday night. 

Following the game, Rangers manager Russell Martin spoke about the severity of the injury, stating the former Feyenoord man will likely spend a lengthy period on the sidelines. 

This latest news puts Dessers’ participation in the two games against Rwanda and South Africa in doubt. 

Although he is not a regular in the Super Eagles squad, Dessers impressed Chelle in the Unity Cup, which Nigeria won by beating Ghana and Jamaica this summer. 

The 30-year-old was also one of Nigeria’s best players last season and was ranked fifth in this year’s PulseSports30. 

Dessers will most likely be called up when Chelle names his squad for the two games later this month, but the Super Eagles might have to do without him if the injury keeps him out for a lengthy spell, as expected. 

This will be a big blow for Chelle, who needs two big wins in those two qualifiers to win back the fans and put Nigeria’s quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup back on track. 

The Super Eagles are currently fourth in their group, six points behind South Africa, who hold the automatic qualification spot.