World Cup success will drive AFCON dream: Super Eagles Coach Chelle

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle believes that a successful outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs will significantly boost his teams chances of winning the title at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Nigeria is set to compete in the playoffs, slated for Rabat, Morocco next week, alongside Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Super Eagles will face the Panthers of Gabon in the first semi-final at the Prince Hritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex on Thursday, November 13. Chelle stated that it will be impossible to stop his team should they triumph in the playoffs. He outlined a focused, two-step approach: Before AFCON, theres a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches, against Gabon on November 13 and, if successful, the final on November 16, Chelle told CAFonline. If we win the first, well aim for the second, then turn to AFCON. Were working in parallel, but our mindset must first be on those immediate tests.” The coach emphasized the high expectations that come with managing the Nigerian national team. “When you coach Nigeria, you have to win everything. But we proceed with humility, with a smile and a will to work. This team has great players. If we stay serious, motivated and united, nothing is impossible. If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult, he concluded. The post World Cup success will drive AFCON dream:Super Eagles Coach Chelle appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.