Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has declared that all attention is now firmly fixed on Nigeria’s upcoming FIFA World Cup playoffs, stressing that every decision taken by the team and federation is geared toward securing qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Speaking after Nigeria officially sealed a playoff spot, Chelle confirmed that the planned friendly games in the United States against Venezuela and Colombia were deliberately cancelled to allow uninterrupted preparation ahead of the crucial mini-tournament in Morocco next month.
“We’ve qualified for the playoff — that’s just the first step,” Chelle said. “Now, it’s about complete focus. There’s no room for distractions or unnecessary travel. Every session, every meeting, every recovery counts because these next matches will define our World Cup journey.”
Nigeria are scheduled to open camp in Rabat on November 9, ahead of their semifinal clash with Gabon on November 13, as part of the CAF playoff format that pits the four best group runners-up in a knockout contest. The winner will advance to the inter-confederation playoff in March 2026.
Chelle revealed that he has already submitted a detailed training and logistics plan to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including video analysis, tactical simulations, and opponent profiling.
“We’ll prepare with intensity and clarity,” he continued. “This is not about talking — it’s about execution. The players know what is at stake, and we will be ready.”
The NFF echoed the coach’s stance, explaining that all focus is now on ensuring the team’s physical and mental readiness for the Morocco showdown. With a united front and the stakes higher than ever, Chelle insists the mission is simple: qualify, no matter what it takes.