Nigeria had a disappointing campaign at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The home-based Super Eagles suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal in their opening group match, followed by a crushing 4-0 defeat to Sudan, which effectively eliminated them from the tournament.
Before their final group game against Congo, head coach Eric Chelle admitted that “mistakes have haunted us.”
Nigeria salvaged some pride with a 2-0 win in their last match, finishing third in Group D behind Sudan and Senegal.
Chelle’s decision to lead the squad for the tournament raised eyebrows, as it was widely expected that his assistant, Daniel Ogunmodede, would take charge instead.
In the end, Chelle faced significant criticism and skepticism over his handling of the team.
“In the eyes of Nigerian football fans, he certainly damaged his reputation, as he suffered back to back defeats when it mattered the most,” Ope Adebari, a sports analyst, reporter and producer with News Central tells reporter.
“His decision to maintain the diamond formation was questionable as the team clearly struggled against their opponents.
“Also, knowing he would implement the diamond formation, the decision not to take any defensive midfielder was shocking.
“Eric Chelle has only succeeded in creating doubt and fear in Nigerians regarding our chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.”
On Friday, Chelle pruned down his provisional squad ahead of next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman are joined by first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali on the roster.
Adebari believes they will form the core of the squad that are expected to keep the Super Eagles’ dream of qualifying on track.
“There are players I refer to as ‘the spine’ of this current super eagles team. Stanley Nwabali, William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
“However, there are other players who would be aiming to contribute to the cause of securing World Cup qualification. Felix Agu, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare,” he said.
Nigeria go into these fixtures under pressure, sitting six points adrift of Group C leaders South Africa.
With just one automatic qualification spot up for grabs, Chelle’s men cannot afford any more slip-ups.
The stakes are particularly high given that the Super Eagles missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a painful playoff defeat to Ghana.
“They need a convincing win and clean sheet against Rwanda at the Uyo Township stadium to boost morale before going to war against Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein,” Adebari added.
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