- Tactical Errors Cost Super Eagles Vital Points in World Cup Qualifiers.
- Can Nigeria Still Secure a Spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Super Eagles’ World Cup Hopes Hang by a Thread—What Went Wrong?
Former Nigerian coach, Johannes Bonfrere has openly criticized the team following their frustrating 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Despite boasting some of Africa’s finest players in top European leagues, Nigeria managed just one win in their CAF Qualification Group C campaign.
Tactical Blunders: Bonfrere Questions Chelle’s Decisions
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Bonfrère, did not mince words when analyzing the tactical approach of Super Eagles’ coach Eric Chelle.
He specifically pointed out Chelle’s decision to substitute Victor Osimhen in the 88th minute, replacing him with Victor Boniface—a move that came just before Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa struck the equalizer in the 90th minute.
Beyond that, the Dutchman questioned why Chelle opted to stick with the same starting lineup that had secured a victory over Rwanda in Kigali.
According to Bonfrere, this lack of tactical flexibility might have contributed to Nigeria’s inability to assert dominance over Zimbabwe.
Can the Super Eagles Still Qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
With Nigeria struggling against teams they were once expected to dominate, Bonfrere is deeply concerned about their World Cup qualification hopes.
Speaking with CompleteSports, he expressed shock at the team’s current struggles.
“It’s disheartening to see smaller teams standing toe-to-toe with the Super Eagles without fear. In the past, these matches were a walk in the park, but that dominance is gone.”
“How do you expect to qualify for the World Cup if you’re not winning crucial games? Years ago, if we didn’t beat teams like Zimbabwe by three or four goals, fans in Lagos would make their frustration known.”
Also Read: Nigeria vs Zimbabwe: “I’m So Disappointed” – Super Eagles Coach Reacts to Frustrating Draw
Super Eagles’ Qualification Hopes Hang in the Balance
With so many Nigerian stars competing in Europe’s top leagues, Bonfrere finds it unacceptable that the team is struggling against lower-ranked opponents.
He fears that Nigeria’s qualification hopes may now rest on navigating the play-offs, a situation he finds embarrassing given the team’s talent pool.
“With the level of talent in this squad, these results are simply unacceptable. Right now, their World Cup dreams are hanging by a thread, and they may have to rely on the play-offs to qualify. If they make it through, fine, but it’s shocking that they’re struggling against teams they should be comfortably beating.”
As things stand, Nigeria sit in fourth place in CAF Qualification Group C with just seven points, while Zimbabwe remain at the bottom with four points from six matches.
Final Thoughts
Bonfrere, who played a key role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph as an assistant coach and later led the Dream Team to Olympic gold in 1996, believes this Super Eagles squad is far from their best.
If things don’t change fast, Nigeria’s chances of making it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup could slip away.
