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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has described tonight’s World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic as the biggest test of his coaching career.
Nigeria face the Cheetahs at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium at 5 p.m. in Uyo later today, knowing that only a win will keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive.
Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference, Eric Chelle admitted that the weight of expectation on his shoulders is enormous but said he welcomes the pressure.
“For me, as a coach, it’s maybe the most important game of my career,” the Malian tactician said. “I’m happy, I’m excited, sometimes a little nervous but I like the pressure.”
Chelle, who took over as head coach earlier this year, is hoping to inspire a strong response from his players after a turbulent qualification campaign that has left Nigeria chasing from behind in Group C. The Super Eagles currently sit third in the group with 14 points, trailing South Africa and leaders Benin Republic.
Meanwhile, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman will play no part in the crucial fixture after receiving a yellow card in last week’s 2-1 victory over Lesotho.
Lookman was present at Monday’s training session but did not join the rest of the squad on the pitch. Instead, he watched from the sidelines, dressed in casual wear rather than training gear.
Chelle’s decision to exclude the winger from full training was seen as a precautionary move to avoid any eligibility issues.
Naija News reports that South Africa were recently punished by FIFA with a three-point and three-goal deduction after fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in March’s qualifier against Lesotho.
With Lookman unavailable, Chelle will be counting on the likes of Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi to deliver a result that could shape Nigeria’s journey to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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