Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has apologised to Nigerians for the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing regret over missing out on football’s biggest tournament.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup were dashed in November 2025 after the Super Eagles suffered a penalty shootout defeat to the DR Congo national football team in the playoff round held in Morocco.
Despite guiding the team to a convincing 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup to successfully defend the title, Chelle admitted that the disappointment of missing the World Cup still weighs heavily on him.
Speaking to reporters after the triumph, the Malian tactician reflected on his message to the players before the final and his commitment to improving the national team.
“I cannot tell you what I told my players in the team talk before the game. I gave them clear objectives,” Chelle said.
“I cannot tell you because you will say Eric; he believes that he is the best goal in the world. You can ask them, “What were the two goals that I asked of them?”
The Super Eagles coach then offered a heartfelt apology to supporters, acknowledging the pain caused by the team’s inability to secure a place at the World Cup.
“I want to say sorry because we didn’t go to the World Cup. Actually, this is my feeling. Sorry because we didn’t win the AFCON; I try to do my job and want to say thanks for all the support that they put in that team,” he expressed.
Despite the setback, Chelle reiterated his commitment to personal growth and his ambition to continue strengthening the Super Eagles in pursuit of future success.
“Once again, if I have some time, I will give everything for this national team, but football is football. Every day, I try to improve like a man and a coach. I would like to express my gratitude to this country,” he concluded.
Nigeria’s failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup means the three-time African champions will miss back-to-back editions of the tournament for the first time since making their World Cup debut at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
