How Eric Chelle’s Tactics Revived the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup Dream

According to Soccernet, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have reignited national pride and World Cup dreams after sealing back-to-back victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers—an achievement that has not only lifted spirits across the nation but also exposed several remarkable facts about the team’s newfound momentum.

Nigeria’s 2–1 win against Lesotho and the emphatic 4–0 demolition of Benin Republic in Uyo marked a turning point in a qualifying campaign that had tested both patience and belief.

The results didn’t just restore faith; they redefined it, sending a clear message that the Super Eagles are back to their best under Eric Chelle’s rejuvenated leadership.

The Super Eagles’ performances against Lesotho and Benin revealed a level of determination, cohesion, and hunger that fans had long demanded.

Victor Osimhen, the team’s talisman, led by example—scoring a hat-trick that electrified Uyo and brought echoes of Rashidi Yekini’s legendary days.

“Victor Osimhen reminded fans of his brilliance by scoring his first hat-trick for Nigeria since 2023,” Soccernet wrote, emphasizing how the Galatasaray striker’s treble pushed his international tally to 29 goals, inching closer to Yekini’s record of 37.

It was a statement of intent from one of Africa’s finest forwards and a performance that reignited confidence in Nigeria’s attacking power.

Nigeria’s back-to-back wins were also their first consecutive victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, ending a stretch of inconsistent form that had placed the team under heavy scrutiny.

The tactical discipline under Eric Chelle was evident, as players combined flair with structure, allowing talents like Samuel Chukwueze to shine.

“Samuel Chukwueze registered two assists across the two matches, taking his assist tally for Nigeria to five,” the report noted. His chemistry with Osimhen and improved decision-making proved crucial in dismantling defensive setups that previously frustrated the team.

Another major highlight came from Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, who ended a nearly two-year scoring drought with a goal against Benin—his first since netting against Mozambique in 2023.

“Midfielder Frank Onyeka found the back of the net for the second time in his international career, scoring against Benin—almost two years after his last goal,” Soccernet confirmed. It was a rewarding moment for the hardworking midfielder, symbolizing a rebirth of confidence across the entire squad.

For winger Olakunle Olusegun, it was a night to remember as he celebrated his first competitive goal for Nigeria, while Moses Simon continued his consistent run with two assists, taking his tally to three in the qualifiers.

“Moses Simon, who is one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers, added two assists to his tally,” the publication reported, highlighting his importance in creating balance and attacking versatility.

Another notable development came with Terem Moffi’s return to international action—the OGC Nice forward made his first appearance for Nigeria in 2025, marking a long-awaited comeback since his last outing in the 2–1 loss to Benin Republic earlier in the campaign.