DailySun
Eric Chelle, the head coach of Nigeria, has expressed his willingness to step down if the Super Eagles do not secure a victory against Bafana Bafana, acknowledging it as part of his responsibilities.
Chelle took on the coaching role in January, aiming to guide Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Since then, he has kept an unbeaten streak in three qualifying matches, achieving two wins and one draw.
The team approaches Tuesday’s match with confidence, buoyed by a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo last Saturday, which has strengthened their hopes for qualification.
Currently, Nigeria has gathered 10 points from seven matches, placing them six points behind Group C leaders Bafana Bafana.
Chelle’s Thoughts on the Upcoming Game
In a press conference on Monday, Chelle was queried about the potential consequences of a loss to Bafana Bafana regarding Nigeria’s World Cup prospects. “This is the reality of coaching, a challenge that many in this field encounter,” he responded.
“My concentration is entirely on this match and my players. If it all comes to a close, that’s simply football, and I’m ready for that eventuality,” he continued.
The coach added a light-hearted remark, saying, “Maybe in two or three years, I’ll be coaching South Africa,” which elicited laughter from the attending journalists.
The clash between Bafana Bafana and Nigeria is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Toyota Stadium.
This match holds significant importance for both teams since only the group winner will earn an automatic berth in the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will qualify for a playoff round.
