Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle urged caution after his side’s extra-time 4-1 victory over Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs semi-final on Wednesday, warning that celebrations must wait until Sunday’s decider against the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid reports of unease in the Leopards’ camp.
The Ivorian tactician, addressing a post-match press conference, downplayed the win’s significance, saying: “They did (win vs Gabon), but this is nothing because they have another game in two days. May be after the second game, we can smile.”
Chelle pinpointed areas for improvement, adding: “We did a lot of good things (vs Gabon), but bad things too. We have to correct some things for the second game but I am confident of my players and what they have done. I want us to do better in the second game (vs DR Congo).”
He praised the team’s unity and focus, declaring: “We deserved this victory, I am happy for my players. They work together. If they win, they are together. If they lose, they are together. I am very proud of the guys because they are focused on what I want.”
Breaking down the Gabon clash, Chelle noted: “In the first 30 minutes, we were so good with the intensity, aggression and ball possession, while Gabon played on the counter. In the first half we had many situations to score a goal, in the second half we changed the system and scored a goal, everything was good, but we made a little mistake in our positioning and they scored. We didn’t think we will go to extra time.”
On his squad’s growth, he observed: “They have improved mentally and technically and they understand what I want to do for them.”
The comments come as Nigeria advances to the playoff final, where victory would secure a spot in the intercontinental playoffs next March, joining Bolivia, New Caledonia, and either Iraq or the UAE for two remaining World Cup berths. DR Congo, set to face Cameroon in their semi-final later Thursday, now contends with the psychological shadow of Chelle’s confident blueprint.
