Super Eagles Coach Eric Chelle Relieved After Narrow Win Over Lesotho
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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has expressed relief following Nigeria’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night.
The three-time African champions edged past Leslie Notsi’s side in a tense matchday nine encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa.
Goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and forward Jerome Akor Adams sealed the crucial win for Nigeria, keeping their qualification hopes alive.
Despite the victory, the Super Eagles remain third in Group C with 14 points, behind South Africa and Rwanda.
Speaking after the game, Chelle admitted that his players were under immense pressure to deliver results as Nigeria pushes for a World Cup spot.
“Today, we are happy because we got the three points. We are still alive — maybe the journalists can do the mathematics for us,” Chelle told reporters after the match. “I’m happy for my players and want to congratulate them.”
The Malian coach also acknowledged the emotional strain the team has faced in recent months.
“We’ve felt the pressure since March. Every time my players come to camp, they feel it because it’s important for Nigeria to be at the World Cup,” he said. “Maybe this win will ease some of that pressure. It wasn’t easy.”
Nigeria will look to build on the momentum as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
