Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has praised his players for their determined performance in securing a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, but he insists that the team must continue improving ahead of their next crucial fixture against Zimbabwe.
The victory at the Amahoro Stadium was a significant one, as it marked Chelle’s first win in his first game since taking charge of the Nigerian national team. The win was powered by a sensational first-half brace from Victor Osimhen, who led the Super Eagles' attack with authority and precision.
The Galatasaray forward demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess, netting the opening goal in the 11th minute before doubling Nigeria’s lead just before halftime in the 45th minute. His clinical finishing handed the Super Eagles their first three points in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Prior to this victory, Nigeria had endured a shaky start to the campaign, registering three consecutive draws and a disappointing loss. However, under Chelle’s leadership, the team finally found their rhythm, displaying improved tactical discipline and teamwork. The head coach highlighted the importance of these attributes in his post-match remarks.
“It was a difficult game. Rwanda has a great team, and they made it tough for us. However, I am proud of my players' performance. We worked very hard in the few days we had together,” Chelle said after the match.
Despite the well-earned victory, the Malian tactician remained focused on continuous improvement, emphasizing that the team still has a lot to work on before their next fixture.
“We only had two full training sessions before this game. We managed to control possession in the second half, and I’m pleased with the effort my players put in, but there’s still room for improvement,” he added.
Chelle also shared insights into his tactical approach during the match, revealing that he experimented with different systems to find the best fit for his squad.
“It gives me great joy to set up different tactical systems. We tested two different formations today to see how the team adapts. However, this is just the first game, and we need to go back to the drawing board and improve,” the 47-year-old coach explained.
He further stressed the importance of having a deep squad and maintaining collective effort to achieve their ultimate goal—qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
“Every player in this team is capable of making an impact. We must work together, remain focused, and ensure we achieve our qualification target. Today, the team played well, but my job is to make key decisions, set up the right system, and bring out the best in every player,” he said.
With this result, Nigeria has climbed to fourth place in Group C with six points, keeping their World Cup qualification hopes alive. However, Chelle is already shifting his focus to their upcoming match against Zimbabwe on March 25 in Uyo.
“We have another important game coming up in a few days. The match against Zimbabwe on March 25 is a big one, and we need to be ready for it,” he stated.
After five matches, South Africa currently leads the group with 10 points, followed closely by Benin with eight points, while Rwanda sits third with seven points. With four more matches to play, the Super Eagles will need a strong run of results to boost their chances of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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