Chelle Warns Super Eagles: “Stay Humble—We Haven’t Achieved Anything Yet”

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has cautioned his players to stay grounded despite their emphatic 4-1 victory over Gabon on Thursday night in Rabat.

The win sealed Nigeria’s place in the final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, but the journey is far from over. The Super Eagles must now defeat the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday to secure a ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs, the final hurdle before the World Cup.

Speaking at the post-match briefing, Chelle issued a sober reminder to his team:
“They won, yes… but this is nothing because they have another game in two days. Maybe after the second game, we can smile.”

The decisive clash against DR Congo is scheduled for Sunday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, with kickoff at 8 p.m. Nigerian time.

Opinion: A Big Win, but Not the Time for Big Heads

Nigeria’s victory over Gabon was a breath of fresh air—dynamic, disciplined and reminiscent of the Super Eagles we used to brag about. The goals came with confidence, the teamwork improved, and the energy felt like a long-awaited spark.

But Chelle is right to pump the brakes.

This team has suffered enough inconsistency in recent years, and one flashy performance cannot erase the memory of matches that kept fans biting their nails. The real test is sustainability—can they replicate the same hunger, control and sharpness against a tougher DR Congo side?

Sunday’s match is more than another fixture; it’s a statement game. A win doesn’t just move Nigeria forward—it restores faith. A loss drags us back into the familiar cycle of “almost there.”

For now, the Super Eagles have earned applause, but not celebration.
If they truly want to book their ticket to the World Cup, they must keep their heads down, boots sharp, and focus locked in.

The win against Gabon was sweet.
But the job? Not even half done.