Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has declared his intention to field his strongest possible line-up when Nigeria face South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, Afrosport reports.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, trailing group leaders South Africa by six points after securing a narrow 1–0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday.
With only the group winners guaranteed qualification for the tournament in North America, the three-time African champions must defeat Hugo Broos’ side in Bloemfontein to keep their hopes alive.
Chelle, who took charge of the Super Eagles in January, has guided the team to two wins and a draw in the qualifying campaign so far. Speaking during Monday’s pre-match press conference, the 47-year-old made it clear that his side is aiming for nothing less than victory.
“We have come here to play for the three points, so we will be sending out the team that will get the job done,” the Malian told reporters. “We are happy to have overcome Rwanda, but we have to conquer here tomorrow in order to be in a good position for the qualification.”
While acknowledging the quality of the South African side and expressing respect for Bafana Bafana’s technical team, Chelle reiterated his belief in his players.
“We are focused on our game plan. I’m focused on my players,” Chelle added. “I know something: the team of South Africa is a very good team. You have a lot of good players. I like your coach. He’s a very good coach and his technical staff.
“So, like I said earlier, we know that this is a big game. I am really happy to play this game like my players. We are happy. This is the moment to do a great deal.”
Nigeria will, however, be without key striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out with a shin injury sustained in the Rwanda match.
The Galatasaray forward will miss his fifth World Cup qualifier, having already sat out ties against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Benin, and the reverse fixture versus South Africa.
Despite Osimhen’s absence, Chelle remains upbeat, citing the depth of his squad, which includes Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers.
“Osimhen is a big star, a very good player,” he continued. “Like I said, I have a strong squad too, with great players on my side. They are enough for me.
“I will tell you something, they want to play a great game here once again, so we don’t have the time to say Victor is not here or maybe we cried in our rooms after his injury.
“We are together. We think about our brother, but we have a game, and we are united for tomorrow.”
