Former Super Eagles defender Ifeanyi Udeze has dismissed any suggestion that head coach Eric Chelle is to blame for Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Eagles’ quest for a spot in the global showpiece, which will be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico in just days, ended in agony. After forcing a 1–1 draw through extra time against DR Congo in Morocco, Nigeria crumbled in a penalty shootout, marking the second straight World Cup the country will watch from home.
Speaking on Brila FM following reports that Chelle had offered an apology for the team’s absence, Udeze argued that the Franco-Malian coach was set up for failure from the start. “Chelle came on board when the situation was already spinning out of control,” Udeze said. “He wasn’t the one who started the qualifying race.”
Still, the former left-back did not fully spare the team. He admitted that the playoff match was a golden chance thrown away.
“That game against DR Congo should have sent us to the World Cup, no question. But the players and the team as a whole didn’t get it done,” he added.
Since that heartbreaking night in Morocco, the Super Eagles have been quietly rebuilding through friendly tournaments and developmental matches.
They recently lifted the Unity Cup in London, cruising past Zimbabwe and Jamaica without conceding a single goal. The team has also notched friendly wins over World Cup-bound Iran and a draw with Jordan.
Upcoming friendly clashes against Poland and Portugal will offer a truer test of progress. Poland, like Nigeria, failed to reach the 2026 World Cup and will be equally hungry for redemption.
Notably, the Eagles have lost just once since the DR Congo defeat – a penalty shootout loss to Morocco during the last Africa Cup of Nations.
