Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has implored his players to remain focused ahead of this evening’s 2026 World Cup qualifier clash against Zimbabwe.
Chelle, 47, was drafted in as head coach in January, with the sole mission of steering Nigeria to the quadrennial tournament after the squad missed out on the event in Qatar in 2022.
Chelle’s first game as Eagles coach last Friday, saw Victor Osimhen bagging a brace at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali as Nigeria saw off Rwanda 2-0 to register their first win of the qualifying campaign.
“I’m proud of what the players did in Rwanda,” said Chelle as Nigeria finished their preparations for the game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
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“It was difficult but they succeeded. It won’t be easy against Zimbabwe because they are a good team with good players and a good coach. So, we need to be focused to do another good job.”
Nigeria lies fourth in Group C with six points from their five ties.
Also this evening, leaders South Africa take on Benin who will go top with a win against Hugo Broos’ men.
The tie is being played in Abidjan because of the lack of a stadium conforming to international standards in Benin.
On the eve of the clash at the Stade Félix Houphouet Boigny, Broos hit out at the organisation after his side were denied the chance to practice at the venue as it was being prepared for Cote d’Ivoire’s Monday night game against Gambia.
