Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi has expressed regret over the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting Nigeria would have secured qualification had head coach Eric Chelle been appointed earlier in the campaign.
Speaking in an interview with veteran journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Sanusi pointed to instability in the coaching setup as a major factor behind Nigeria’s disappointing qualification run.
“If the type of results we had under Eric Chelle towards the end of the qualifiers were the kind of results we had throughout the campaign, I believe Nigeria would have qualified comfortably,” Sanusi said.
Coaching Changes Blamed for Failure
The Nigeria national football team missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering elimination against DR Congo national football team in the decisive playoff stage.
Although Chelle oversaw an improvement in performances after taking charge midway through the qualifiers, Nigeria’s inconsistent start ultimately proved too damaging to overcome.
Sanusi admitted that repeated changes within the technical crew disrupted momentum and stability during the qualification process.
Late Improvement Under Chelle
Under Chelle, the Super Eagles showed signs of recovery, producing stronger results in the latter stages of the campaign and later securing a bronze-medal finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
However, despite the late resurgence, the team fell short of reaching the expanded 2026 tournament set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
NFF Acknowledges Fans’ Frustration
Sanusi also addressed the disappointment felt across the country following the failed qualification campaign.
“We know that Nigerians are very angry with us over our failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. We totally understand the anger,” he stated.
Focus Turns to AFCON 2027
With World Cup hopes now over, attention has shifted toward rebuilding ahead of the next continental cycle. Chelle and the NFF are expected to focus on restructuring the squad and restoring the Super Eagles’ status among Africa’s elite teams ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sanusi’s comments have sparked renewed debate about long-term planning, coaching stability, and decision-making within Nigerian football administration.
As discussions continue, many supporters are left wondering whether an earlier appointment for Chelle could have changed the course of a campaign that ultimately ended in disappointment.
