Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, says victory in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs will serve as the perfect motivation for Nigeria to chase a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 2025.
The West Africans are set to kick off their World Cup playoff campaign in Morocco next Thursday, before turning their attention to the AFCON, also taking place in Morocco.
Chelle emphasised the importance of starting strong, noting that success in the playoffs could give his players the confidence boost needed to dominate at the continental showpiece.
“Before AFCON, there’s a crucial target: the World Cup play-offs. The goal is to win those matches,” Chelle told CAFOnline.
“If we arrive on the back of play-off success, stopping us will be difficult.”
Nigeria, who are eyeing their first AFCON title since 2013, have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Chelle expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the challenge, adding that discipline and focus will be key to achieving their dual objectives in Morocco.
