Chelle 'very happy' for Nigeria

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Oct 15, 2025. 15:00

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle revealed his players surprised him with their strong performance against Benin on Tuesday to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

The Super Eagles went into their final Group C qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo needing nothing less than a win to give themselves a chance of finishing in the top two.

The Cheetahs were one point clear of South Africa in top spot ahead of the last round of matches, with Chelle’s side a further three points back in third place.

And Nigeria delivered, taking a mere three minutes to open the scoring through Victor Osimhen, who went on to bag a hat-trick before Frank Onyeka sealed the 4-0 win at the death.

The West African giants qualified for the second round as one of the four best-placed runners-up across the nine groups, pipping Burkina Faso and Niger on goal difference.

Chelle hailed Osimhen as the “best striker in the world” after his heroics and felt their victory was thoroughly deserved, but acknowledged his team still face tough challenges ahead.

“I am surprised by my players. They deserved [to win] this game because it was not easy,” the Ivory Coast-born former Mali international said.

“So, now we are going to Morocco, it is not yet finished. It will be very difficult, but tonight, I am very happy for the players.

“They played a great game today and two days ago, like I said before, it is well, it is well, we are here. I am happy for the fact they brought us the victory which serves to help push us to the next level.

“The players played a very good game, especially the best striker in the world, Victor Osimhen.”