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| Image: Eric Chelle speaks during CAF South Africa |
Nigeria's head coach, Eric Chelle, has emphatically declared that the team's stunning 4-1 victory over Gabon in the FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final is merely a stepping stone, demanding "better" performance and a correction of "bad things" before their winner-take-all final against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) this Sunday.
Speaking to the press after the grueling extra-time victory that secured their spot in the final round of the CAF playoffs, the Franco-Malian tactician refused to allow any celebration, insisting the job is far from finished.
Despite a performance highlighted by a late double from star striker Victor Osimhen, Chelle maintained a focused and sober tone, stressing that the ultimate objective—a place in the Inter-confederation World Cup playoffs—has not yet been achieved.
"The reality is that this is nothing yet, because in two days we have another game," Chelle stated. "Maybe after the second game, we will go home with a smile."
Chelle was quick to acknowledge the defensive lapses and structural inconsistencies that allowed Gabon to briefly draw level before Nigeria's late surge. He promised a rigorous review of the match footage to iron out the flaws.
"We did a lot of good things [against Gabon], but bad things too," he admitted. "We have to correct some things before the next game and I am confident in my team and I know that they will do better than they did against Gabon."
Beyond the immediate tactical preparation, Chelle reiterated his long-term vision for the national team, which centers on establishing a clear playing philosophy.
"The most important thing for this team is to create an identity. This identity is how we play the defence and the offence," he explained. He praised his players for their rapid development and commitment to his system: "These guys have improved mentally, technically and they understand what I want to do for them.”
The winner of Sunday’s final will secure the sole African ticket to the next-stage Inter-confederation playoffs, making the Rabat encounter a high-pressure, make-or-break event for both nations.
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