Chelle focused on W’Cup qualifiers after AFCON draw

• Published On: 30 January 2025 at 06:10

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has stressed that securing a 2026 World Cup ticket for Nigeria remains his top priority following the 2025 AFCON draw, which was held on Monday in Morocco.

Chelle was appointed as the team's new coach a few weeks ago, and as he awaits his first game in charge, the Franco-Malian is torn between reviving the country's ill-fated 2026 World Cup qualifying series, which resumes in March, and leading the country to their fourth AFCON title when the tournament begins in December.

After the draw, which placed the three-time African champions in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, Chelle, who attended the event in Rabat, refused to be distracted by the group's composition.

"There are no small teams in AFCON; you need to be focused," Chelle told Pooja Media.




"As I've previously stated, my focus is on my players and March. We need to focus on the World Cup qualifiers first, and then in October, we can start thinking about AFCON. For now, we must win two games in March.

"This is a draw, there are four teams and anyone in the AFCON can win the tournament but now I need to watch and work with my players on the two games in March against Rwanda and Zimbabwe."

Nigeria risks missing out on the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, after a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.


After four matches, the three-time African champions are in fifth place with three points, four behind leaders Rwanda, and six games remaining in the qualifying series.

Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the global football showpiece are on the line in March, with victories against the Amavubi in Kigali and Zimbabwe expected to reignite their hopes.

Following the two games in March, the team will regroup in September and October for the final four games of the Series before plotting their path to a fourth AFCON title in December.

On December 23, Chelle's Eagles will face Tanzania at Fez Stadium in their quest for a fourth African title.

Four days later, they will play Tunisia at the same venue before facing Uganda's Cranes on December 30.

The tournament will last from December 21 to January 18, 2026.