Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has stated that it is not yet time for Nigeria to rejoice as their push for a FIFA World Cup berth continues.
He explained that the 4–1 win over Gabon in the CAF World Cup Playoff semifinal is not sufficient reason to celebrate.
“It is a long road. We just won a match, and we still have other hurdles to cross. We have to keep working hard to get to where we want to be,” Chelle said.
The Malian coach acknowledged that Nigeria did not expect the game to extend into extra time but commended his squad for their determination.
“Against Gabon, we didn’t think we will go to extra time, but it’s the game. In the first half, 30 minutes, we were so good. The position of the ball, the intensity, the accuracy. It’s not just about when you put a lot of intensity, but physically you have to be ready,” he said.
Chelle expressed satisfaction with the players’ dedication to carrying out his tactical plans.
“I am very proud of these guys. Because every time they are focused on what I ask, what I want. They show what I want. Once again, the word today was the passion. It was the working together to have the same thing. They did it,” he said.
He maintained that celebrations should be put on hold until after Sunday’s final, stating, “Maybe after the second game we can smile.”
Looking back on his tenure so far, Chelle highlighted his commitment to establishing a distinct team identity.
“I don’t want to talk about what happens before. Since I came, I try to work, create an identity. Every time we talk about the game, the sports project is very important and the game project too. Like I said, the most important factor is to create an identity, and the identity is how you play in defence and offence,” he said.
“This is how we try every time to improve at every FIFA window. When you play at the FIFA window and you have only two or three training sessions, somehow these guys improve technically and they understand what I want them to do.”
Nigeria will face DR Congo on Sunday in a decisive match that will determine the sole CAF representative for the international playoffs ahead of next year’s World Cup.