Eric Chelle has called for patience after the Super Eagles’ disappointing 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday evening, Afrosport reports.
The result left the three-time African champions in fourth place in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa.
It has made the task of qualifying for next year’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico more difficult, with Chelle admitting Zimbabwe were deserving of a point.
“My job is to analyze this game. And I think the team improved. In intensity and aggressiveness with the ball. They made a fast attack, they made a long-position ball,” the Malian said.
“They deserved to win, so. This is football, this. We saw a lot of games like that. So maybe I need some time too. Maybe, maybe not. But I think that again. We deserve to win this game.
“Maybe now we say the choice was not good, but if we win, we say the choice was good.”
Well done boys… we are almost there.. unlucky with the late goal.. #Believe
— Kenneth Omeruo (@omeruo22) March 25, 2025
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe boss Michael Nees poked fun at the Super Eagles, saying their campaign will be over only if the Nigerians fail to make it to the finals.
“I said before that the World Cup qualification is over when it is over. If it is over for us, then it is over for Nigeria also,” the German stated.
Chelle’s side will have another crack at collecting three points when they take on Rwanda in Uyo in September.
