Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has declared that Nigeria’s performance in the upcoming 2026 World Cup playoffs will significantly influence their quest for victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The coach emphasized that winning Africa’s premier tournament remains his top priority, but acknowledged that failure to advance through the playoffs could derail this ambition.

Nigeria endured a difficult qualifying campaign, remaining winless in their first four matches. This resulted in missing automatic qualification for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their sole remaining path requires navigating the African playoffs.

The Super Eagles face Gabon in a semi-final clash next Thursday. Victory would set up a decisive final against either DR Congo or Cameroon, with a World Cup berth at stake.

“Every match since March has been high-pressure,” Chelle told CAFOnline. “This familiarity with pressure will serve us in Morocco. With mental readiness and team unity, playoff success would make us formidable.”

The coach outlined immediate priorities: “First, we must win the World Cup playoffs. Beat Gabon, then the next opponent. Only then do we fully shift focus to AFCON. Coaching Nigeria demands winning everything. We’ll pursue this with humility and hard work.”

Chelle expressed confidence in his squad: “This team possesses exceptional talent. Maintaining seriousness, motivation, and unity makes anything achievable.” Should Nigeria advance, the coach will dedicate full attention to AFCON 2025, scheduled from December 2025 to January 2026.

Nigeria last won the continental title in 2013. They narrowly lost the previous AFCON final to hosts Ivory Coast. Regarding Morocco 2025, Chelle stated unequivocally: “We aim to win it. My first AFCON experience was fantastic. Morocco will host an exceptional tournament, and our players share this ambition.”