Eric Chelle

Eric Chelle Details Super Eagles’ Must-Do Fixes for DR Congo World Cup Playoff Final.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has called on his team to sharpen their performance and address errors ahead of Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigeria secured their final spot with a 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon on Thursday, driven by Jerome Akor Adams’ opener, Chidera Ejuke’s strike, and Victor Osimhen’s brace, despite Mario Lemina’s reply for the Panthers. DR Congo advanced past Cameroon 2-1 in their semi-final.

Speaking to the media post-match, Chelle stressed improvement: “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.” He urged: “I want us to do better in the second game (vs DR Congo).” Praising team spirit, he added: “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.”

On the Gabon match, 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.” He cautioned: “They did (win vs Gabon), but this is nothing because they have another game in two days. Maybe after the second game, we can smile.”

A win on November 16 at 5pm WAT would propel Nigeria to the March 2026 intercontinental playoffs in Mexico for a World Cup berth. With Chelle’s focus on unity, can the Eagles defeat the Leopards and secure their 2026 dream.