Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has rallied his team ahead of Sunday’s CAF World Cup Playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), describing the showdown as “war” his side must be ready for. Chelle, who has now overseen Nigeria’s revival after a turbulent qualification series, refused to be drawn into discussing the pre-match standoff between the players and the NFF over unpaid bonuses — a dispute that led to a temporary training boycott.
He maintained that the only priority now is maintaining the winning mentality that carried the team through Thursday night’s tense 4–1 victory. According to him, the team has shown remarkable spirit in recent games and must continue to build on the momentum as they edge closer to securing Nigeria’s place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
“I don’t want to talk about what happened before the match,” Chelle said firmly after the win in Rabat. “What matters now is that the players fought hard, showed character, and delivered when it counted. My focus is on improving our general play and preparing to win the final on Sunday.”
The Franco-Malian tactician praised the team for responding positively after conceding a late equaliser, describing extra-time as a demonstration of Nigeria’s “mental strength and tactical maturity.”
He reserved special acknowledgement for match-winner Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke, whose goals sealed the decisive victory, but also emphasized teamwork over individual brilliance.
Chelle insisted that defeating DR Congo will require a higher level of concentration and composure, calling the final “another war we must be ready for.”
He reassured Nigerians that he and his coaching staff have already begun analysing DR Congo’s strengths and weaknesses, promising that the Super Eagles will be “sharp, aggressive, and disciplined” on Sunday.
“We owe Nigerians joy,” Chelle added. “The boys know this, and they are ready.”
