Eric Chelle Reacts After Super Eagles Crush Benin to Keep 2026 World Cup Hopes Alive
- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has shared his thoughts after his team crushed Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic 4-0
- Nigeria booked a place in the playoff after finishing second in Group C, with South Africa heading to the World Cup
- The Amavubi of Rwanda failed to do the Super Eagles a favour, losing 3-0 to Bafana Bafana at the Mbombela Stadium
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Eric Chelle has shared his thoughts after the Super Eagles of Nigeria crushed Benin Republic to end their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier group stage on a high note.
Victor Osimhen responded to Nigerians’ criticism with a brilliant hat trick to set the team on the path to victory before Frank Onyeka added the fourth.
Source: Getty Images
The striker was substituted in the 81st minute to a standing ovation from the Uyo crowd and was replaced by Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare.
However, a win was not enough to seal the automatic ticket as South Africa thrashed Rwanda 3-0 in Mbombela to qualify for the first time since hosting it in 2010.
Nigerians were not pleased with Rwanda after they failed to make an attempt to upset Bafana Bafana on their behalf, and led them on a long path to qualification.
Gernot Rohr's Benin Republic will take solace and pride in a remarkable journey after nearly upsetting the two heavyweights in the group.
As noted by The Athletic, the Super Eagles have booked their spot in the continental playoff after finishing as one of the four best second-placed teams.
Chelle reacts to Super Eagles' win
Eric Chelle was visibly delighted as he entered the conference room of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for his post-match media round.
The Franco-Malian manager applauded his players and hailed Victor Osimhen as the best in the world after his hat-trick heroics against Benin.
“I am very happy for my players, especially the best striker in the world, Victor,” he said, as quoted by Pooja Dissects.
“Now we're going to Morocco, it’s going to be very difficult. This is the start, and I am proud of everyone and even the fans because they pushed us.”
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria is not there yet, as there could be up to four matches in the continental and intercontinental playoffs before securing a World Cup ticket.
The Eagles will know their opponents after the final two games in Group B, where the Democratic Republic of Congo is likely to join the playoff teams.
The four teams will play in a mini-tournament in Morocco next month, and the winner will be Africa's representative in the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.
CAF applauds Victor Osimhen after hat trick
Legit.ng reported that CAF applauded Victor Osimhen after the striker powered the Super Eagles to victory with a brilliant hat trick against Benin Republic.
The 2023 Africa Footballer of the Year took matters into his own hands and has Nigeria living to fight another day as they face the rigorous playoffs for a chance to qualify.
Source: Legit.ng
