Former Nigerian international Ifeanyi Udeze has exonerated Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle of any fault in Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After recovering from a poor start in the opening qualifying matches to reach the playoffs, Nigeria was ultimately defeated by the DR Congo in a dramatic penalty shootout in Morocco. The match had finished 1–1 after extra time. This marks the second consecutive time the Super Eagles have missed out on the global tournament.

Chelle not at fault

With the 2026 World Cup just a few days to go, Udeze, while reacting to reports that Chelle apologized for the team’s absence from the tournament, told Brila FM that the Franco-Malian coach should not be blamed for Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup.

He pointed out that Chelle took on the role when the Eagles’ chances of qualifying for the tournament seemed bleak.

“I don’t think Chelle should be blamed for the Super Eagles’ inability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“He joined the team when the situation was almost getting out of hand. He did not initiate the qualifying campaign from the beginning.

“However, I also think the qualifying playoff against DR Congo should have been an opportunity for the team to pick the ticket, but the team failed.”

Team rebuilding and friendlies

Despite missing the global tournament in Canada, the US, and Mexico, the Super Eagles have been participating in international friendlies and developmental tournaments.

The team recently competed in the Unity Cup in London, which they won and are scheduled for high-profile friendlies against teams like Poland and Portugal as they plan a reset for the future.

Since the Super Eagles lost the 2026 World Cup playoff against DR Congo in Morocco, Nigeria has lost only once, a penalty shootout defeat to Morocco at the last Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles last week defeated Zimbabwe and Jamaica to retain the Unity Cup in London, scoring five goals and conceding none.

The run also includes friendly victories over World Cup bound Iran and a draw against Jordan. But today’s game against Robert Lewandowski’s Poland is expected to be of higher standard, as the Poles also have a point to prove after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.