Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has sent a powerful message of encouragement to new Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle, who is tasked with rescuing Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes.
Chelle, a Franco-Malian coach, was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation earlier this month, with a clear mandate to secure Nigeria’s spot in the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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However, the Super Eagles are currently sitting in a precarious fifth place in Group C, trailing Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, and Lesotho. Only the group winner will secure automatic qualification.
Rohr qualified Nigeria for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. (Photo by Getty images)
Speaking to Nation Sports, Rohr, who coached the Super Eagles from 2016 to 2021, expressed his confidence in Chelle but admitted the tough road ahead.
“Of course, I know Eric Sékou Chelle is now with Nigeria, and good luck to him. It’s not going to be easy for Chelle to qualify for the World Cup, but of course, everything is still possible,” Rohr said.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes are in danger after a poor start to the qualifiers, with three lackluster draws and a shocking 2-1 defeat to Rohr’s Benin in June.
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To stand any chance of advancing, the Super Eagles must win all six of their remaining matches and hope for favorable results in other games.
Despite the steep challenge, Chelle remains determined to turn things around and lead Nigeria to World Cup glory.