Eric Chelle Praises Super Eagles' Deserved Win Over Gabon

Super Eagles deserved win, says Coach Chelle

Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, believes his team deserved their 4-1 win over Gabon in the FIFA World Cup qualification playoffs in Rabat..

The Super Eagles secured their spot in the final against DR Congo, thanks to Victor Osimhen's brace in extra time and Chidera Ejuke's goal...

Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, is thrilled with his team's 4-1 win over Gabon, saying they deserved the victory. The Super Eagles' impressive performance was fueled by a brace from Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, putting them one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Chelle acknowledged that while his team did some great things, they also made mistakes. He's vowed to address these errors before Sunday's crucial clash with DR Congo, saying, “We have to correct some things before the next game, and I am confident in my team and I know that they will do better than they did against Gabon.”

The Super Eagles will face DR Congo in the playoff final, determined to secure their spot in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026. With Osimhen's firepower and the team's growing momentum, Nigeria is poised to make a statement.

In a thrilling encounter at Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, Nigeria's Super Eagles took on Thierry Mouyouma's team, and it was Akor Adams who struck first with a stunning goal, putting the Nigerians ahead. However, the lead was short-lived, as Mario Lemina equalized for the opposition in the 89th minute, sending the game into extra time.

Recovery session completed today for the #SuperEagles after the Gabon game. pic.twitter.com/th6WRrMV38

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 14, 2025

The Nigerians showed their strength in the extra time, with Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke scoring crucial goals, securing Nigeria's spot in the next round. Osimhen and Ejuke's extra-time strikes sealed the deal, making up for the late equalizer and showcasing Nigeria's determination to move forward.

INTO THE FINAL! pic.twitter.com/DyApTxNbDS

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) November 13, 2025

“About this game, about the extra time, we didn't see that coming, we didn't think that the game would go into extra time,” said Chelle.

“In the first half, we were so good with the ball possession, intensity, and with the aggressivity. Gabon tried to play through counter but we managed well.

“We had a lot of situations and in the second half, we scored a goal then changed the system. 

“Everything was good but we just made a little mistake in our position, and we let them score a goal. For me, we deserved this victory and I am happy for my players.”

Nigeria's thrilling 4-1 win over Gabon has set the stage for a crucial showdown with DR Congo, with the winner securing the sole ticket to next year's inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico. The Super Eagles will be looking to build on their momentum, and coach Eric Chelle is taking a close look at their performance.

Reflecting on the Gabon match, Chelle said, “I will watch this game again because we did a lot of good things but bad things too.” The Franco-Malian coach is determined to address the errors and make necessary adjustments before the high-stakes encounter with DR Congo.