Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, says Nigeria is fully focused on Tuesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein, even as FIFA is yet to decide on the eligibility dispute involving South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena in their March fixture against Lesotho.
Chelle told reporters at a pre-match briefing on Monday that his team is determined to secure victory and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. He admitted that the absence of striker Victor Osimhen, who was injured in Saturday’s win over Rwanda in Uyo, is a setback but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth.
“Osimhen is a big star, a very good player, but I also have a big group and they want to play a great game,” Chelle said.
Captain William Troost-Ekong assured Nigerians that the team is ready to fight for all three points. He said Nigeria respects South Africa but will approach the game with discipline and determination. “Our objective has not changed; we want to go to the FIFA World Cup finals next year,” he stated.
Nigeria sits six points behind South Africa in Group C but hopes to close the gap with a win. If FIFA deducts points from South Africa over the ineligibility case and Nigeria triumphs in Bloemfontein, both sides would be level on 10 points, keeping the qualification race wide open ahead of October’s final fixtures.
